Physicians and Physicians-in-Training Urge Prior Auth Fix, Address Issues at Capitol

February 29, 2024

Nearly 200 physicians, residents and medical students flooded the hallways and legislative offices at the Capitol complex on February 28, as part of Physicians' Day at the Capitol.  

Physicians and physicians-in-training heard from Sen. Kelly Morrison, MD, and met with legislators to discuss MMA’s top legislative priorities: prohibit prior authorization for critical services; stop insurers from forcing patients to switch medications mid-year; promote well-being in Minnesota's healthcare workforce; ensure patient treatment wishes are followed and respected; and reduce substance use disorder morbidity and mortality. 

Sen. Kelly Morrison, MD, addresses the standing-room-only crowd of physicians and physicians-in-training at Physicians' Day at the Capitol on February 28.

Following Morrison’s keynote, Dave Renner, MMA’s director of advocacy, and Chad Fahning, MPP, MMA’s manager of state legislative affairs, reviewed the MMA’s top legislative priorities. Then, attendees proceeded to meetings with their legislators. Members shared information with them on the MMA’s priorities or other issues that were important to them.    

“What a fantastic day for healthcare advocates,” said MMA President Laurel Ries, MD, who served as emcee for the event. “So much energy. So much passion. It’s always great to see our members getting involved and educating lawmakers on how laws affect them and their patients.”