In this issue
Week
two legislative update
Many of the committees held overview hearings learning about the
various state agencies. The House passed H.F. 6, a bill to bring Minnesota
in compliance with federal tax law changes. H.F. 6 was amended in the House Tax
committee to include provisions of H.F. 27 to clarify the 2013 Destination
Medical Center law. The Senate is expected to consider the bill this
week.
Upcoming hearings of
interest
On Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 8:15 a.m. the House Civil Law and Data Practices
committee will hold an overview hearing on the All Payer Claims Database
(APCD). The Minnesota Department of Health will present the overview. MHA
believes the APCD could be a valuable tool to advance the goals of the Triple
Aim. We are hopeful that the recommendations from the APCD work group will lead
to expanded use of the database.
At noon that same day, the Senate Judiciary committee will hold a hearing on
S.F. 141, authored by Sen. Barb Goodwin (DFL–Columbia Heights), a bill that
creates a county mental health grant program for persons under arrest or at
risk to be under arrest. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 12:45 p.m. the House Health
and Human Services Finance committee will get a briefing from the Alzheimer’s
Association.
Legislation of interest
Some of the legislation that was introduced this week included:
The AARP of Minnesota introduced legislation known as the Care Act. S.F. 107,
authored by Sen. Kent Eken (DFL–Twin Valley), and H.F. 210, authored by Rep.
Nick Zerwas (R–Elk River), that would require that hospitals give the patient
an opportunity to designate a caregiver upon inpatient admittance to the
hospital. Under this legislation, the hospital would be required to provide
training for the caregiver upon discharge of the patient.
Allina Health introduced S.F. 109, authored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL–New Hope),
and H.F. 190, authored by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL–Golden Valley), to better
align reimbursement to cost for its Transitional Rehabilitation Program
(TRP). The TRP is part of the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, and
provides highly specialized inpatient rehabilitation services for patients
recovering from spinal cord, traumatic brain and complex neurological
injuries. Many of their clients are discharged from Minnesota hospitals
across the state to continue their recovery and return to the community.
For a complete list of 2015 legislative bills MHA is tracking, visit the Member Center. For
assistance accessing the Member Center, please contact Ashley Gauster, MHA member services and communications specialist,
651-603-3545. returnto top
Minnesota
Rural Health Conference seeking proposals
The Minnesota Rural Health Conference, which takes place June
29-30 in Duluth, is seeking proposals for breakout sessions and learning
stations — a new short format where the presenter presents for identical 15
minutes presentations in an hour. The conference features innovative solutions
to challenges facing health care in rural communities. Sessions are sought in
one of six learning tracks: workforce; emergency medical systems and
time-critical care models; Triple Aim (value based care); mental health; care
coordination; and health equity.
Proposals are due Friday, Jan. 30 by 4 p.m. Submit your proposal here. For questions, contact Kim Nordin
at the National Rural Health Resource Center, 218-727-9390, ext. 237. return to top
Proposals
sought for 2015 Learning Days Conference
The Minnesota Department of Health – Health Care
Homes, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and the Minnesota
Accountable Health Model, State Innovation Model Grant are hosting the 2015
Learning Days Conference — Moving Forward Together: Building Healthy Minnesota
Communities. The conference, May 12-14 in St. Cloud, is an opportunity for
Minnesota health care home providers, State Innovation Model grantees, and
community partners to gain knowledge, form relationships, and exchange
information about integrating health care, behavioral health, long-term and
post-acute care, local public health, social services and consumers.
Proposals are being accepted through Friday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. for breakout
sessions. Submit your proposal here. For questions, contact Shirley Scheuler, 651-201-4002. return to top