New Residency Program Aimed at Expanding the Rural Physician Pipeline to Open in Staples

May 14, 2026

The University of Minnesota Medical School and Staples, Minn.-based Lakewood Health System are expanding rural physician training in the state with a new residency program.

Sanford, North Memorial Health Announce Plans to Merge Health Systems

May 14, 2026

On May 8, Sanford Health, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and North Memorial Health announced that they have agreed to merge as a single nonprofit health system.

MMA Launches New Member Portal

May 14, 2026

The MMA recently upgraded its member portal to make it more accessible and user-friendly.

White Coats Rally for Gun Violence Prevention

May 14, 2026

Dozens of physicians, physicians-in-training, and other healthcare professionals gathered at the Capitol on May 12 to participate in Protect Minnesota’s "White Coats at the Capitol for Gun Violence Prevention.”

Mayo Clinic’s President and CEO to Step Down in December, Successor to Be Named Later This Year

May 14, 2026

Mayo Clinic announced May 12 that Gianrico Farrugia, MD, its president and CEO since January 2019, will step down at the end of this year.

MMA Priority AI Utilization Review Language Heads to Conference Committee

May 14, 2026

Legislation that would explicitly prohibit health insurance companies from using artificial intelligence (AI) in adverse utilization review decisions continues to have life at the Capitol.

HCMC Support Included in Budget Framework Agreement

May 14, 2026

On May 13, Gov. Tim Walz, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL – St. Paul), House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R – Cold Springs), and House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL – Coon Rapids) announced an agreed upon supplemental budget that includes $705 million for hospital stabilization funds for Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC).

Physician/Olympian to Speak at Empowering Physicians Event in September

May 14, 2026

The first female cross-country skier to represent Mexico in the Olympics will give an inspiring talk on resilience at the Empowering Physicians event on September 25.

Senate Passes MMA-Supported Gun Violence Prevention Bill, Unlikely to Pass House

May 7, 2026

On May 4, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive gun violence prevention package on a party-line 34–33 vote. The legislation includes a ban on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, along with additional public safety measures. This is a legislative priority for the MMA. 

MMA Organizes Compromise Regarding APRN Scope of Practice

May 7, 2026

After significant advocacy and engagement efforts, the MMA was able to convince lawmakers to pass an amended bill regarding Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) training.  

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