District of Columbia: Catania Introduces AIDS Bill for Medical Professionals

A bill brought before the Council of the District of Columbia on Tuesday would require certain courses dealing with HIV/AIDS as part of continuing education standards for Washington medical professionals. "This legislation is an important step forward in our continuing efforts to remain at the forefront of HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment," said member David Catania (I-At-Large), who introduced the measure. "The bill will ensure that our health care workforce has the tools it needs to respond to the ever-changing epidemic in the District of Columbia." In a statement, Catania said the HIV/AIDS Continuing Medical Education Amendment Act of 2011 would provide the District's physicians, physician assistants, and nurses with "an understanding of the impact of HIV and AIDS on populations of different ages, as well as different racial and ethnic backgrounds by incorporating HIV/AIDS education into existing continuing education requirements." Eight of the council's 13 members have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill; it was expected to be sent to the Committee on Health, which Catania chairs.

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