MMA, AMA File Amicus Brief as Part of Avera Appeal

The MMA and AMA, filed a request on Dec. 5 seeking permission to provide an amicus brief to the Minnesota Court of Appeals in the case of Avera Marshall Medical Center Staff vs. Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. They were joined by the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians.

State Budget Offers Good and Bad News for Health Care

On Dec. 5, Minnesota's state economist released the November budget forecast for the upcoming two-year biennium. It contained both good and bad news.

Webinar to Preview 2013 State Legislative Session

The MMA's Dave Renner, director of state and federal legislation, and Eric Dick, manager of state legislative affairs, will preview the 2013 state legislative session in a free 30-minute webinar on Dec. 13.

Health Department Calls for all Varicella Cases to Be Reportable

Beginning in January, physicians and other health care providers are required to report all varicella cases to the Minnesota Department of Health in accordance with the Communicable Disease Reporting Rules, Chapter 4605.

MMA Opposes Using Medicaid Payments to Fix SGR

The MMA has added its name to letters that the AMA is sending to leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives opposing the use of enhanced Medicaid payments for primary care services to pay for a Sustainable Growth Rate fix. Others signing the letters included each state medical association, the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, the Minnesota Chapter of the American College of Physicians, the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. These enhanced payments were included in the Affordable Care Act and are scheduled to take place Jan. 1, 2013.

Physician Needed for Newborn Hearing Committee

The commissioner of health is looking for one primary care physician with experience in the care of infants and young children to join the Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee. Among other tasks, this group develops protocols and timelines for screening, rescreening, and diagnostic audiological assessment and early medical, audiological, and educational intervention services for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The committee meets four times a year in St. Paul. To apply online visit the Secretary of State's website.