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.
September 17, 2026
Dozens of Allina Health physicians at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids and its Unity campus in Fridley, went on strike Monday, September 14, through Thursday, September 17.
September 17, 2026
At its September 14 meeting, the MMA Board of Trustees (BOT) approved the organization’s advocacy priorities for 2027.
September 17, 2026
The MMA joined the AMA and 49 other state medical associations in urging Congress to pass H.R. 9693, the "Patients First Act," which would reform the Medicare physician payment system.