November 17, 2022
On November 16, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm announced that she will retire from her position.
She has served as health commissioner under three governors. Her first stint, 1999 to 2003, in the Jesse Ventura administration. Gov. Mark Dayton tapped her for health commissioner in 2018, where she stayed until presently.
Malcolm was among four commissioners who indicated that they would not continue during Gov. Walz’s second term.
In a statement, MMA President Will Nicholson, MD, said: “The MMA thanks Commissioner Jan Malcolm for her many years of service and excellent leadership of the Minnesota Department of Health. Throughout her career, she has steadfastly focused on protecting public health and defining good public health policy. Her steady, transparent, and science-driven guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped Minnesotans fare better than most other states. We wish her the best in her retirement.”
April 9, 2026
An amended piece of legislation that would exempt buprenorphine from prior authorization (PA) was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on April 9.
April 9, 2026
On April 9, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard a bill that would require coverage for psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) services under Medical Assistance.
April 9, 2026
On April 9, the House Taxes Committee heard legislation focused on supporting the financial stability and ongoing operations of Hennepin Healthcare.