January 26, 2023
The MMA has developed an FAQ to provide additional details and information on the MMA’s new policy, “Decriminalization of Simple Possession of Illicit Drugs.” The policy, which was adopted by the MMA Board of Trustees on December 12, 2022, was recommended by the MMA Policy Council following months of research and deliberation by a work group.
On January 16, MinnPost published an article about the policy, featuring perspectives from MMA President Will Nicholson, MD, and MMA Illicit Drug Work Group Chair Ryan Kelly, MD. They spoke to the evidence and health equity considerations behind the new policy.
“The science on this topic is pretty clear,” Nicholson said. “Criminalizing addiction and addictive behavior doesn’t get the best outcome for the patient.”
The article goes on to say, “while substance use disorder occurs across all ethnic and racial lines, Nicholson and Kelly both believe that unequal and punitive enforcement of drug possession laws has only expanded gaps that already existed in American society.”
The article reinforces the distinction between decriminalization of drug possession and drug legalization, which would involve state-regulated production and sales of illicit drugs. The MMA policy does not support legalization.
For more information, contact Adrian Uphoff, health policy analyst.
May 29, 2025
As the Legislature works to complete its work on the state’s two-year budget, another deadline is looming. Legislators are required to pass a balanced budget before the end of the fiscal year—June 30, 2025. If they don’t meet that deadline, the state will begin a partial shutdown.
May 29, 2025
Registration has opened for the Empowering Physicians: A Night of Reflection and Engagement event, featuring best-selling author Elisabeth Rosenthal, MD.
May 29, 2025
The AMA is encouraging physicians to contact their U.S. senators and urge them to revise the reconciliation bill passed recently by the U.S. House of Representatives. While the bill includes language that would stabilize Medicare physician payments, it also threatens to cripple Medicaid and CHIP.