Minnesota Hospital Association

Newsroom

June 03, 2019

MHA Newsline: June 3, 2019

In this issue 

Minnesota hospital and health system programs, leaders honored

MHA’s annual awards recognize patient safety, volunteerism, innovations in patient care, hospital excellence 

MHA on May 31 honored innovative programs and outstanding leaders in health care at its 35th annual awards ceremony. 

Awards were given for extraordinary achievement in categories ranging from advocacy on behalf of hospitals and volunteerism to innovation and improvement in patient care and patient safety. 

“Each day, all across the state, Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems are working to strengthen the health of our communities,” said MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa. “Our exceptional care teams set the bar high for patient care and for meeting the needs of their communities. Thanks to their expertise, diligence and commitment to excellence, Minnesota’s hospitals continue to be among the best in the nation.” 

The awards and recipients are:  

American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion: Steve Underdahl, president and CEO of Northfield Hospital and Clinics 

Best Minnesota Hospital Workplace: Maple Grove Hospital; New Ulm Medical Center  

Caregiver of the Year: Tammy Sinkfield-Morey, RN, nursing supervisor, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, St. Paul  

Community Benefit: Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis; CentraCare Health – Long Prairie 

Good Catch for Patient Safety: Kara Boyko Frandson, Pharm.D., Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis 

Innovation of the Year in Patient Care: Regions Hospital, St. Paul; Winona Health Services 

Quality and Patient Safety Improvement: Allina Health, Minneapolis; River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic, St. Peter 

Spirit of Advocacy: Greg Klugherz, senior vice president of finance and CFO, St. Cloud Hospital

Stephen Rogness Distinguished Service Award: Carl Vaagenes, CEO, Alomere Health, Alexandria 

Trustee of the Year: David Anfinson, Carris Health, Willmar 

Associate Member of the Year: Gallagher, Bloomington 

Thanks to all those who nominated their colleagues. Award winners will be profiled in upcoming issues of Newsline. return to top   

Legislature finishes work in special session

In addition to MHA’s top priorities of the repeal of the sunset of the provider tax and the funding of a number of mental health programs noted in May 28 issue of Newsline, the new employer mandate becomes effective Aug. 1. Intentional wage theft will be a felony. MHA encourages member hospitals and health systems to work with their human resources teams to ensure compliance with many new requirements for recordkeeping for employee wages.  

Employers must have a list of the personnel policies provided to the employee and the date the policies were given to the employee. Employers must include the basis of pay (hourly, salary, piece rate, etc.) and any allowances for meals or lodging on employee earning statements. Employers must give a written notice to the employee at the start of employment that includes information about employee pay and must provide notice when changes are made. The document must be signed by the employee and kept by the employer.   

All records are to be made available upon request for inspection by the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. They must be kept where employees are working or in a manner that allows the employer to comply with a request for information within 72 hours.  

MHA will provide a detailed legislative report in coming weeks. 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. return to top