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.
June 12, 2025
The Legislature met for a one-day special session on June 9 to approve the budget deal that leaders and Gov. Tim Walz agreed to over the weekend. Several of the MMA’s priorities were included.
June 12, 2025
The AMA’s annual meeting, June 6-11 in Chicago, reinforced the importance of physician advocacy efforts on behalf of their patients and the practice of medicine.
June 12, 2025
The MMA invites medical students, residents, and fellows to submit an abstract by August 15 to be considered for a poster presentation at this fall's annual membership event.