Healthcare (Children's Health)

The Student Health Care Amendment Act of 2026 updates health requirements for students in public, charter, private, and independent schools in the District of Columbia. It mandates that parents and guardians annually submit standardized forms for physical and oral health, which must include blood lead level testing for specific age groups. The bill also transfers responsibility for managing student access to emergency epinephrine from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to the Department of Health and designates the Maryland Poison Center as the District's official poison control center. Additionally, the legislation dissolves the existing Perinatal and Infant Health Advisory Committee to align with new organizational structures. These changes aim to streamline health documentation and clarify administrative roles within the school health program.

This resolution authorizes the District of Columbia to issue up to $550 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for Children's Hospital. The funds will refund previous bonds ($373.96 million from 2015) and finance specific hospital improvements at its 111 Michigan Avenue NW location, including a new Pediatric ICU wing, ER renovations, a Special Maternal Delivery Unit, and new electronic medical record software. The bonds are structured as non-recourse debt, meaning the District bears no financial liability if the hospital cannot repay them, and the proceeds will not use District tax revenue or credit. The resolution directly affects Children's Hospital as the beneficiary of the bond proceeds for its capital projects.

This emergency bill approves a $3.66 million payment for inpatient care services provided by The Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center (HSC) to medically fragile youth under DC’s Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA). It formalizes existing contract modifications covering services from August 2024 through August 2025, specifically for respite care placements 24/7. The funds cover care for children in CFSA’s custody who require specialized medical support. The bill is procedural - authorizing payment for services already being delivered under an existing contract, not creating new policy.

This bill approves a $3.66 million contract with The Hospital for Sick Children Pediatric Center (HSC) to provide inpatient care for medically fragile youth in the District of Columbia’s Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) program. It consolidates prior letter contracts (DCRL-2024-C-0051, DCRL-2025-C-0022, and DCRL-2025-C-0040) into a single definitive agreement covering services from August 2024 through August 2025. The resolution is classified as an emergency to comply with District law requiring Council approval for contracts exceeding $1 million, ensuring HSC can be paid for services already provided. The measure directly affects CFSA youth requiring specialized pediatric care, enabling continued access to hospital services without interruption.