November 30, 2023
Registration is now open for Physicians’ Day at the Capitol, which will see physicians and physicians-in-training from across the state gather at the state Capitol to advocate on behalf of medicine.
The annual get-together on February 28 will include a review of top legislative priorities and tips on how to interact effectively with elected officials.
The MMA is partnering with several specialty societies and Zumbro Valley Medical Society to promote the event including the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians; the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology; the Minnesota Chapter, American College of Cardiology; the Minnesota Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians; the Minnesota Chapter, American College of Physicians; and the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society.
“It makes such a difference when physicians can talk directly with their elected officials and create a personal relationship,” said MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “They want to hear from us on all sorts of healthcare issues. This is a great opportunity to influence things in St. Paul.”
The MMA’s legislative priorities for the 2024 session include:
Prohibit the use of prior authorization (PA) for services where delays in care are dangerous to patient care. This includes eliminating PA for preventive services, generic drugs, outpatient cancer treatment, outpatient mental health/chemical dependency treatment, and medication-assisted treatment. In addition, the MMA will work toward limiting PA for chronic conditions to just a one-time approval, eliminating PA for value-based contracts, and eliminating PA in cases within one standard deviation of the mean of the aggregate approval rate for a service.
Limit mid-year formulary changes for prescription drugs. This includes ensuring that patients can't be forced to change medications until the end of their health insurance contract. It also ensures that health plans must use “real-time benefit tools” to inform practitioners of formulary changes.
Promote physician wellness services. This includes prohibiting asking applicants about past health issues in credentialing forms; protecting use of the SafeHaven, MMA’s new confidential, physician wellness program; and funding a public awareness campaign to encourage physicians to seek care. It also would include establishing a recognition program for hospitals and systems that promote workforce wellness.
Implement and fund an electronic registry for POLST (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms.
Address substance use morbidity and mortality through a public health lens by supporting the legislative work of the Harm Reduction Collaborative. This would include promoting the use of MAT in prisons, jails, and sober homes; and strengthening Minnesota’s Good Samaritan law for seeking help during a drug overdose and providing safe recovery sites.
Register here.
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