Save the Date: MMA’s Annual Physicians’ Day at the Capitol Set for February 8

December 1, 2022

Physicians and physicians-in-training from across the state will gather again in-person at the state Capitol on February 8, to advocate on behalf of medicine.  

The annual get-together, which has been held virtually the last two years, is now referred to as Physicians’ Day at the Capitol. It will include a review of top 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; the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society; and the Minnesota Psychiatric Society.

“The more white coats we get to the Capitol and in meetings with legislators, the louder our voice,” said MMA President Will Nicholson, MD. “Now more than ever, physicians need to be meeting with representatives and senators to continue advocating for the practice of medicine and their patients.” 

The MMA’s legislative priorities for the 2023 session include: 

1. Legislation to limit mid-year formulary changes. Patients are currently bound by the terms of their contract with a health insurer, yet insurers or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) routinely change the patient’s drug coverage in the middle of that contract year.  

2. Passage of CANDOR (Communication and Optimal Resolution), which is a process used by healthcare facilities and professionals to respond to and resolve adverse events. Passing CANDOR in Minnesota will improve patient safety by encouraging open and honest communication with a patient and their family following an adverse event and reduce the burden of malpractice claims. 

3. Creation of a statewide electronic registry for POLST (Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms. Currently, there is no central database for POLST forms, so emergency providers may not know that a patient’s POLST form exists. A statewide registry for POLST forms would help ensure patient’s end-of-life wishes are respected and physician orders are enacted. 

4. Extension of permanent coverage of audio-only telehealth services for public and private payers. Minnesota passed a strong telehealth law in the 2021 legislative session, but it included a sunset clause, ending coverage for audio-only telehealth services after June 30, 2023. Audio-only coverage is a critical service option for many patients, especially for low-income patients, older patients, and patients who may live far from a healthcare provider or have poor internet access. 

5. Expansion of Medical Assistance (MA) coverage for recuperative care services. This is a critical expansion for Minnesotans experiencing housing insecurity who need a safe and stable place to recover following both acute and/or post-acute services. 

Registration for the event will open soon. Stay tuned to MMA News Now for details.