April 30, 2026
On April 27, the House unanimously passed a bill authorizing trained pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense, and administer buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Under current law, pharmacists may only prescribe buprenorphine through a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) with a physician. Pharmacist representatives indicate that such agreements have been limited in practice, citing physician concerns related to evolving clinical guidelines and liability.
Supporters of the bill (HF 4493, Baker, R – Willmar) also note that independent prescribing authority offers greater flexibility than a statewide protocol model, allowing pharmacists to more readily align with updated clinical guidance.
The MMA strongly supports this legislation, citing significant unmet demand for opioid use disorder treatment, and the need to expand timely access to care.
Rep. Robert Bierman (DFL – Apple Valley) described the bill as “a life-or-death bill for many people who are seeking substance use disorder treatment and can’t get it in a timely fashion.”
The legislation now moves to the Senate.
April 30, 2026
On April 27, the House unanimously passed a bill authorizing trained pharmacists to initiate, prescribe, dispense, and administer buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
April 30, 2026
On April 27, the House passed a bill, with a 119-12 vote, that removes the current requirement that newly licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) complete 2,080 hours of collaborative practice with a physician as part of their postgraduate training before practicing independently.
April 30, 2026
Last November, UCare announced it would be shutting its doors in 2026, leaving many providers with outstanding claims that had not been paid out.