Physicians, Medical Trainees Gather Online to Advocate for Medicine

March 3, 2022

On March 1, Minnesota physicians and physicians-in-training gathered online for the MMA’s Day at the Capitol which included a review of the MMA’s top legislative priorities for the current session and a talk from state Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL-Duluth). 

“Today is about establishing and strengthening relationships with your legislators,” MMA President Randy Rice, MD, told the group. “Your role is crucial in promoting legislation that is good for the patients you serve.” 

MMA staff scheduled dozens of meetings with lawmakers across the state. Top priorities discussed included: 

Protecting Patients from Arbitrary Medication Changes   

• Ensure patients have access to medications by prohibiting insurers or PBMs from altering patient’s drug coverage for medications they are already on, which currently can occur in the middle of a patient's contract year.  

• Improve patient health by prioritizing the decisions made between a physician and a patient, rather than changes to a drug's formulary by an insurer.  

 Improving Patient Safety with Straightforward Communications  

• Improve patient safety by protecting from discovery discussions that are held between physicians and patients following an adverse event.   

• Endorse the Communication and Optimal Resolution (CANDOR) model, which is designed to include patients and family members in timely and honest information following an adverse event, supporting caregivers, and working to improve patient safety.  

 Create a POLST Registry  

• Authorize a feasibility study to establish a statewide registry for Provider Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) to ensure EMS and emergency departments have access to POLST orders patients may have. 

Click here to view MMA’s issue briefs (PDF and video formats) and other advocacy materials.  

The MMA thanks its 2022 Day at the Capitol partners: 

• American College of Emergency Physicians, Minnesota Chapter 

• American College of Physicians, Minnesota Chapter 

• Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians 

• Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology 

• Minnesota Association of African American Physicians 

• Minnesota Psychiatric Society 

• Zumbro Valley Medical Society