August 21, 2025
The Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) recently decided to adopt a new anesthesia care model that would shift from the current care team model, where Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) work as part of a care team alongside and under the supervision of anesthesiologists, to a CRNA-only model, where CRNA’s practice independently.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has opposed the move. The MMA has not weighed in, but has the following policy: “The MMA will work with the appropriate regulatory and legislative agencies to establish, secure, and maintain a high level of standards which must be met and maintained before expanding scope of practice privileges beyond those limited to licensed, practicing medical doctors.”
A recent VA Office of Inspector General report shows a 38% increase in facilities that face a significant shortage of anesthesiologists.
“The proposed bylaws change is reportedly the result of the departure of anesthesiologists from the facility over recent months,” the ASA said in a release. “In lieu of promoting the hiring of new anesthesiologists at the facility or utilizing existing VA staffing programs, the facility leadership appears intent upon changing the anesthesia practice model.”
December 4, 2025
On December 4, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its budget forecast for the 2026-27 biennium, showing a short-term budget surplus of $2.5 billion for the current biennium, but warned of a long-term $2.96 billion deficit for the 2028-29 biennium.
December 4, 2025
On December 2, the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) released a study on the safety, effectiveness, and public health impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccinations at birth.
December 4, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) is now accepting public comments regarding proposed legislation to mandate insurance coverage of certain treatments.