U of M, CentraCare Discuss New Medical School to Focus on Rural Health
January 19, 2023
The University of Minnesota and CentraCare are in discussions to create a new medical school that would focus on rural health.
Abortion Access Bills Advance at Capitol
January 19, 2023
A pair of bills related to abortion access are moving fast in St. Paul. The most notable of which, HF1 (Kotyza-Witthuhn, DFL – Eden Prairie), or the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act,is expected to pass the House floor today (January 19). The bill would codify the right to reproductive freedom and autonomous decisions about an individual's own reproductive health, and it outlines the fundamental right to use or refuse reproductive health care, including abortion.
Report: Hospitals, Health Systems Struggling with Transfer of Patients
January 19, 2023
Data released January 17 from the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) shows that hospitals and health systems are struggling to properly discharge patients to appropriate care settings.
MHA found that in one week this past December, nearly 2,000 patients were eligible for transfer to a continuing care setting such as a nursing home, group home, or residential mental health treatment facility but could not be discharged from inpatient care due to a lack of capacity in post-acute care settings. This resulted in 14,622 extra hospital patient days – a data sample that is reflective of the recent patient census situation in both rural and urban hospitals.
MDH Seeks Comments Relating to Communicable Disease Reporting
January 19, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is considering modifications to the Communicable Disease Reporting Rules through the Minnesota rulemaking process. This process will update the rules to address new and emerging communicable diseases, remove unnecessary provisions, clarify reporting conditions, and address other technical changes.
MMA President Urges Caution with Recreational Cannabis Legislation
January 12, 2023
In a January 11 opinion piece in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, MMA President Will Nicholson, MD, urges lawmakers to consider how legalizing cannabis will impact the health of Minnesotans.
MMA Urges Rigorous State Review of Proposed Healthcare Mergers
January 12, 2023
Recognizing that there are both advantages and disadvantages – for both patients and physicians – associated with mergers in the healthcare industry, the MMA this week urged Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to rigorously review such proposals.
Physician Senator to Address Peers at Physicians’ Day at the Capitol
January 12, 2023
Sen. Kelly Morrison, MD, (DFL-Deephaven) will be the guest speaker at this year’s Physicians’ Day at the Capitol on February 8.
With Help From MMA, 2023 Medicare Conversion Factor 2% Less Than 2022
January 12, 2023
On January 5, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the new Medicare physician payment files that include the 2023 conversion factor of $33.8872, which is 2 percent lower than the 2022 conversion factor of $34.6062. The new conversion factor reflects the year-end adjustments to Medicare payment rates adopted by Congress.
An Analysis of the Physician Impact of Smits v. Park Nicollet MN Supreme Court Decision
January 12, 2023
In September 2022, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an opinion in the case of Smits v. Park Nicollet Health Services that could have negative impacts on mental health providers and the treatment they provide in Minnesota.
January 11 Online Forum to Discuss RSV and Influenza Surveillance in Minnesota
January 9, 2023
The MMA is teaming up with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for the next online Physician Forum that will discuss “RSV and Influenza Surveillance in Minnesota” from noon to 1 pm on Wednesday, January 11.
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