In this issue
Minnesota's
nonprofit hospitals contribute $4.2 billion in health care and programs to
Minnesota communities
Minnesota’s hospitals and health systems contributed more than
$4.2 billion in programs and services in 2013 to benefit the health of their
communities, an increase of 5.4 percent compared to 2012, according to MHA’s
latest annual Community Benefit Report.
Of the $4.2 billion, Minnesota hospitals provided $459 million in proactive
services responding to specific community health needs, including health
screenings, health education and health fairs, immunization clinics and other
community outreach, including in the areas of fitness, weight loss and diabetes
prevention. Read a few examples and the rest of the 2014 Community Benefit
Report here. return to top
New
website showcases ways in which hospitals strengthen their communities
Minnesota’s hospitals are more than just beds and emergency
rooms. Hospitals are the centerpieces of our communities. A new website, www.mnhealthycommunities.org highlights the
ways Minnesota’s hospitals work beyond physical walls to
strengthen the health of Minnesotans. It chronicles the way hospitals are
improving the health of their communities, prioritizing mental health, and
ensuring communities stand prepared for any emergency. MHA members are asked to
contribute hospital stories in these areas to be shared statewide and on social
media. For more information, contact Sarah Ford, MHA communications manager,
651-603-3495.
In addition to the website, a Facebook page launched last week. Take a
moment to “Like” the page to stay up to date on the ways Minnesota’s hospitals
are strengthening healthy communities. return to top
Governor
to release budget recommendations Tuesday
In its third week in session, many of the legislative health
committees held overview hearings on the Minnesota Security Hospital and the
Governor’s Task Force on the Protection of Children. The Senate passed S.F. 1,
authored by Sen. Jensen (DFL–Owatonna,) which included flood relief for cities,
counties and township. The House is expected to pass this bill this
week.
Upcoming hearings of
interest
On Monday, Jan. 26 at 10:15 a.m. the House Ways and Means committee will hold
an overview hearing on the Medical Assistance Program. The Department of Human
Services will provide the overview to the committee.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Gov. Dayton will release his budget recommendations for
the 2016-17 biennium.
Also on Tuesday, the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee will
hold a hearing on H.F. 264, authored by Rep. Knoblach (R–St. Cloud), to fund
deficiencies in state agency budgets for costs related to the Minnesota
Security Hospital and Ebola-related costs at the Minnesota Department of
Health. MHA is working to amend this bill in committee to seek funding for the
four Ebola treatment center hospitals and EMS providers. MHA President and CEO
Lorry Massa and representatives from the four hospitals will testify before the
committee.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m. the Senate HHS Finance division will get an
overview of the governor’s proposed budget from the Department of Human
Services (DHS). At 12:45 p.m. the House HHS Finance Committee will have the
same update.
On Thursday, Jan. 29 at 8:30 a.m. the Senate HHS Finance division will continue
the DHS budget overview and finish the hearing with an overview from the
Department of Health on the governor’s budget recommendations for that
agency. At 12:45 p.m. the House HHS Finance Committee will continue
hearing the DHS budget presentation.
On Friday, Jan. 30 at 8:30 a.m. the Senate HHS Finance division will hold a
hearing to listen to public testimony on the governor’s budget. MHA will
testify at this hearing.
Legislation of interest
Some of the legislation that was introduced this week included:
H.F. 220, Norton (DFL–Rochester) Nurse Licensure Compact. H.F. 321, Mack
(R–Apple Valley)/ S.F. 253, Sheran (DFL–Mankato) interstate medical licensure
compact for physicians. MHA supports both of these bills.
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. return to top
Mental
health workforce plan released
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and
HealthForce Minnesota have released, “Gearing Up for Action: Mental Health Workforce Plan for Minnesota.” The 24 recommendations focus on recruitment, education
and training, placement after completion of training, retention, and assessment
of Minnesota’s mental health workforce.
Recommendations of direct interest to hospitals include: creating four new
psychiatry residency slots, one of which is for children; supporting efforts to
expand telemental health; and increasing exposure to mental health experiences
for nursing and medical school students.
The workforce plan is the result of legislation passed in 2013 calling for a
summit to be held and a plan to be written addressing Minnesota’s mental health
workforce shortage. Over a year of work was involved in creating the
recommendations in the report, along with those generated at the summit and in
meetings held around the state. MHA and member hospitals served on the steering
committee that drafted the recommendations and planned the summit.
For more information contact Jen McNertney, MHA policy analyst,
651-659-1405. return to top
Nominate
your hospital or program for a 2015 MHA Award
Nominations due Friday, Feb. 20
Is your hospital a best Minnesota workplace? Do you have an innovative patient
safety program or exemplary caregiver who deserves recognition? If so, consider
submitting a nomination for MHA’s annual awards program. For more than 30
years, the MHA Awards have celebrated outstanding work by Minnesota hospitals
and health systems and we want to honor you.
MHA award categories recognize excellence involving community health, workforce
issues, patient care and career promotion, for example. Honors for individuals
recognize trustees, volunteers, hospital executives, caregivers and public
officials. Additional information on the categories and judging criteria can be
found on MHA’s website.
Entries are due by Friday,
Feb. 20; find the entry form here: Nomination Form.
MHA will notify all entrants whether they have won in mid-March. A reception
and dinner will take place Friday,
April 24 at the Metropolitan Ballroom in suburban Minneapolis. All MHA members and associate members
are invited and encouraged to attend the awards ceremony. Mark
your calendars and plan to join us for this celebration of excellence in
Minnesota health care.
For more information, contact Sarah Bohnet, MHA visual communications
specialist, 651-603-3494. return to top