February 2, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is preparing to begin screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), making Minnesota the first state in the nation to universally screen newborns for presence of the virus.
MDH officials expect to find cCMV in about 300 newborns annually in Minnesota. Pilot studies suggest that most of the infants are expected to be asymptomatic, whereas 20% of infants diagnosed with cCMV result in clinical disease. Signs of disease range from isolated hearing loss (which may occur postnatally) to systemic and severe neurodevelopmental manifestations. MDH has created a fact sheet for providers.
Screening will help identify infants at risk for cCMV who may benefit from follow-up monitoring and early access to interventions and treatment.
In partnership with birth hospitals, clinics, and midwives around the state, nearly all the 60,000 babies born in Minnesota each year receive a newborn screen. The MMA has been a long-time supporter of newborn screening.
More information on the Minnesota newborn screening program is available on the MDH website.
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.