MSDC Supported Seizure Plan Bill Passes Council

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

MSDC Supported Seizure Plan Bill Passes Council

Nov 13, 2024, 00:00 AM by MSDC Staff

MSDC testified in favor of legislation to require schools to adopt strategies to help students who experience seizures.

Another bill supported by MSDC passed the Council yesterday, adding to the Society's impressive advocacy agenda.

B25-571, the Seizure-Safe Schools Amendment Act, passed the Council unanimously. Then-MSDC President Dr. Ashesh Patel testified in favor of the bill at its July 10 hearing.

Bill 25-571 would require schools to have certain staff to be trained in seizure recognition and administering emergency seizure medication. It would ensure students with epilepsy and other seizure disorders have individualized Seizure Action Plans included in their school files, and that the plans are available to personnel responsible for the students. It would offer schools DC Health-led epilepsy and seizure awareness training and provide protection from liability for school employees who are tasked with providing emergency seizure first aid to students under the legislation.

The legislation is expected to be signed by the Mayor and go into effect next year after Congressional review.

Even with the Council session closing in a few weeks, MSDC advocacy is going strong and preparing for the 26th Council. To get involved, contact MSDC.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.