MMA Prepares Amicus Brief on End-of-Life Issue

The MMA is currently preparing a friend-of-the-court brief for the Minnesota Court of Appeals in a case regarding a legally appointed guardian's authority to make end-of-life decisions on behalf of his or her ward.

Budget Deficit Not as Bad as Anticipated

Although the state still faces a budget deficit, the number is not as imposing as first thought, according to the state of Minnesota's budget forecast released Feb. 28.

Legislation on Fingerprinting Physicians Introduced

During last year's debate on the health licensing disclosure bill (often referred to as the Board of Medical Practice bill) lawmakers directed the Commissioner of Health and the health licensing boards to evaluate ways to better implement criminal background checks. The resulting legislation was introduced Feb. 21. 

Insurance Exchange Bills Headed to Floor Sessions

Having spent the past seven weeks working through one committee after another in the House and Senate, legislation establishing a Minnesota-based Health Insurance Exchange will finally make its way to the floor next week.

MMA Member Testifies Against Botax Bill

An MMA member spoke out Feb. 27 against proposed legislation that would tax certain cosmetic procedures saying that the bill is too subjective and vague.

Next week: MMA Forum to Discuss Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare

The MMA will host a town hall forum on the future of Minnesota's public programs on March 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Minneapolis. Special guest: Minnesota Medicaid Director Carol Backstrom.

Sequestration Cuts Will Affect Health Care

Unless Congress comes up with a last-minute fix, more than $85 billion in sequestration cuts will occur March 1, several of which will affect Minnesota physicians.

MMA to Sponsor Public Health Film Festival

The MMA will co-sponsor the Ninth National Public Health Week Film Festival April 1-5 at the University of Minnesota's Mayo Memorial Auditorium, 425 Delaware St. S.E., in Minneapolis.

Still Time to Provide Input for Value/Satisfaction Survey

Physicians can still provide feedback on the MMA through the 2013 Value/Satisfaction Survey, which was distributed by email on Feb. 19. Your feedback is important in helping us understand which services are most important to our members and how we can improve. This year, as added encouragement for members to complete the 11-question survey, we will draw for three $100 gift cards. Keep an eye out for the reminder email next week.

Visit the MMA at the MMGMA 2013 Winter Conference

Be sure to stop by the MMA booth when you are at the MMGMA's 2013 winter conference on March 5-6 at the St. Paul River Centre. We will be at #319; Member Advantage will be at #323. Member Advantage partners will be at the following booths: Innovative Office Solutions #316, AmeriPride #317, Medcare Products #318, Newman Long Term Care #320 and MyDisabilityPlans.com #321. For more information, go to the MMA News Now archives.

The MMA Podcast:

This week, Eric Dick, MMA's manager of state and legislative affairs, reviews the latest on the state's health insurance exchange along with proposals to increase the tobacco tax, prohibit minors from using tanning beds and allow APRNs to practice independently.  

Minnesota Medicine