Health Equity

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues
25th Council session information coming soon.
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CDC Study Shows 1 in 5 Adults Sought Mental Health Treatment in 2020
October 21, 2021
There was a slight increase in adults seeking mental health treatment from 2019-2020, with women much more likely to seek treatment.
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Yes, You've Noticed Correctly - Your EHR Inbox Has Gotten Fuller
October 15, 2021
A study in JAMA Open Source reveals time spent on EHR increased during the pandemic even with a decreased in-person patient volume.
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Council Debates Healthcare Licenses, MCOs, and Vaccine Mandates
October 5, 2021
The DC Council discussed a number of pandemic and health issues in its first meeting after summer recess.
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Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked
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.
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.
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.