March 31, 2022
With the intention of addressing healthcare worker shortages, the Legislature is moving two bills to streamline the licensing process for physicians, physician assistants, and respiratory therapists. Each is licensed by the Board of Medical Practice (BMP).
The change would allow an applicant who is licensed in good standing in another state to be issued a temporary license at the time of applying for licensure. Practitioners could begin practicing immediately while waiting for the BMP to complete the process for a permanent license.
Both SF 3071 (Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont) and HF 3388 (Rep. Kelly Morrison, MD, DFL-Deephaven) have passed key committees and are moving toward passage.
A second bill, SF 1257 (Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake), reduces the number of criminal background checks physicians and other healthcare workers must complete if they work in a Department of Human Services licensed program. Under current law, healthcare workers must complete a criminal background check to be licensed to practice, and then complete a second background check if they provide services to patients in DHS-licensed facilities like group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
SF 1257 exempts licensed healthcare workers who have completed a background check for their licensing board from having to complete a second one for DHS. The bill passed through all Senate policy committees and is moving toward passage.
August 20, 2026
A physician and Olympian will give an inspirational address as part of this year's Empowering Physicians event on Friday, September 25, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
August 20, 2026
Minnesota received some disturbing news this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as data shows that for the 2025-2026 school year, vaccination rates decreased and non-medical exemptions increased.
August 20, 2026
On August 11, a federal appellate court sided with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) argument that the way the No Surprises Act’s qualifying payment amount (QPA) is calculated has historically favored payers in arbitration.