In
this issue
HHS
stand-alone bills progress
Two bills with significant implications passed the House last
week. HF 728,
authored by Rep. Alice Mann (DFL-Lakeville), increases oversight of pharmacy
benefit managers (PBMs), which administer prescription drug benefits for health
carriers and employers. The bill would require PBMs operating in Minnesota to
be licensed by the Board of Pharmacy, which would allow the state to impose
requirements regarding network adequacy, transparency and ownership interest.
The bill passed with bipartisan support 87-42 and is expected to go to
conference committee to reconcile differences with the Senate version, SF 278, authored by Sen. Scott Jensen
(R-Chaska).
HF 90, authored by Rep. Jennifer Schultz
(DFL-Duluth), contains many provisions that would impact nursing home and
assisted living facilities. Some of the key provisions are creating an assisted
living licensure program, residents’ protection against fraud and retaliation
as well as allowing electronic monitoring in residents’ rooms. After over three
hours of debate, the bill was passed 73-45. The Senate companion, SF 8, authored by Sen. Karin Housley (R-St.
Mary’s Point), was scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on May
9 but was removed from the agenda that day.
With questions, contact Mary Krinkie, vice president of government
relations, MHA, 651-659-1465, or Kristen McHenry, director of state government
relations, MHA, 651-603-3526.
Session bill tracker
For a complete list of 2019 legislative bills MHA is tracking, visit the MHA Member Center. For assistance accessing the
Member Center, contact Ashley Beno, member services and
communications specialist, MHA, 651-603-3545. return to top
Minnesota
Supreme Court decision may impact provider consultations
MHA to host member meeting May 17 to discuss practice
implications
The Minnesota Supreme Court recently issued an opinion that may expand the
scope of the physician-patient relationship for purposes of malpractice. The
ruling is likely to require changes in common consultation practices currently
used by health care providers in Minnesota.
MHA and the In-House Legal Counsel Committee will host a special meeting for
MHA members on May 17 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. that will review the practical
implications of the decision and identify potential methods for consultation
going forward. Members interested in participating should contact Dee Dee Heffernan, executive assistant, MHA, 651-603-3533.
In the case, Warren v. Dinter,
a hospitalist was sued for malpractice by an individual plaintiff that the
hospitalist had never met. The hospitalist was contacted by the plaintiff’s
treating provider to discuss whether the patient should be admitted to a
hospital. Based on the information provided to the hospitalist during the
provider consultation, the hospitalist did not identify a need for hospital
admission and the plaintiff was not admitted. The individual subsequently died
from an untreated staph infection and the individual’s estate sued the
hospitalist for malpractice.
MHA – together with the Minnesota Medical Association and the American Medical
Association – submitted an amicus curiae brief in the case that outlined the
negative impact that expanding liability to the hospitalist in the case would
have. In particular, the brief noted that expanding liability could reduce the
ability of health care providers to collaborate and would harm team-based care
models. Despite the risks highlighted in the brief, the Supreme Court ruled
that a physician-patient relationship is not required for a patient to sue a
physician for malpractice. return to top
MHA
Summer Trustee Conference to be held July 12-14
MHA’s annual Summer Trustee Conference will be held July 12-14
at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria. The conference, themed
“Strategies for Effective Governance,” will offer participants seven general
sessions and eight breakouts on issues of mental and behavioral health,
finance, quality, patient safety and price transparency.
At the conference, trustees can earn credits toward MHA’s Board Certification
Program. Trustees can visit the trustee section of the MHA website and select
their name from the drop-down list to view their credit progress toward board
certification.
For more information or to register, view the conference brochure.
Accommodations at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center can be booked at the
group rate online. return to top
July
25 program offers strategies for administrative professionals
MHA’s annual program for health care
administrative professionals will take place on July 25 at the Crowne Plaza
Minneapolis West in Plymouth. Health care consultant Margret Sumption will
share a dozen strategies for leading up effectively, gaining trust and
repairing relationships when something goes wrong. Participants will leave with
renewed resolve and strategies for becoming indispensable administrative
professionals.
For more information, view the brochure or visit MHA’s
website, log in, click “Calendar of Events” and select the program title to
register. return to top