January 19, 2023
Legislation (HF 16 - Hollins, DFL – St. Paul), that would prohibit the use of conversion therapy for individuals under the age of 18 received its first committee hearing in the Minnesota House of Representatives on January 18.
Similar legislation has passed the House in previous sessions. However, the bill never received a hearing in the Senate during that time, and therefore never became law in Minnesota. With current DFL control of the Minnesota House and Senate, the bill is likely to be heard in both bodies, and is on route to passing this year.
“Conversion therapy can lead to poor self-esteem, self-harm, guilt, anxiety, depression, and possibly suicide, all while being wholly ineffective in its intended purpose,” stated MMA President Will Nicholson, MD, in the MMA’s letter of support for HF 16. “There is no scientific evidence to support a need for conversion therapy. The concept of conversion therapy lacks scientific credibility and clinical usefulness.”
Several specialty medical societies, including the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Pediatricians, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, also shared letters of support for HF 16.
On a 7-5 party line vote, HF 16 was referred to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.
November 16, 2023
Members of the MMA delegation to the AMA helped shape policy at the AMA’s Interim Meeting November 10-14 in National Harbor, Maryland. The most visible issue at the meeting was the looming Medicare physician payment cuts and AMA’s advocacy to “Fix Medicare Now.” More information about the planned cuts and ways that you can take action now can be found at Fix Medicare Now.
November 16, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) invites healthcare providers and other community members to apply to serve on the new African American Health State Advisory Council. Applicants are encouraged to apply by November 17, but MDH will accept and review applications until all spots are filled.
November 16, 2023
On November 13, the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) released an analysis of hospital and health system finances that shows losses growing at many of the state’s major healthcare providers.