Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

May 13, 2019

MHA Newsline: May 13, 2019

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 onlinereturn 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