Top Stories

Legislation Update: APCD, APRNs, E-cigarettes and Tanning

Several MMA legislative priorities continued moving forward at the Capitol this week, including increasing use of the all-payer claims database, opposing advanced practice registered nurses' desire to practice independently, tightening regulations on e-cigarettes and prohibiting minors from using tanning devices.

Naloxone Bill Moves Forward in Senate

On March 10, the Senate's Health, Human Services and Housing Committee pushed forward a bill (SF 1900) that would make naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of opiate overdoses, available to first responders.

Majority of Members Oppose Marijuana Legislation, Survey Says

A majority of MMA members oppose legalization of marijuana for medical use, according to a survey sent March 7 to more than 7,500 licensed doctors and physicians-in-training across the state.

MMA Leaders Discuss SGR with Congress Members

While attending the AMA's National Advocacy Conference, March 4-6, several MMA members met with Minnesota's Congressional representatives to push for the repeal of the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate formula.

MMA Partners with WMS to Offer ICD-10 Training

Minnesota physicians can learn the fundamentals of the new ICD-10 coding system from two online, on-demand educational programs offered by the MMA in partnership with the Wisconsin Medical Society.

Physicians Testify at Capitol on Primary Care Workforce

Legislators recently heard first-hand accounts from health care providers who are addressing the state's primary care workforce needs.

Medicare ICD-10 Testing Available

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that Medicare Administrative Contractors will conduct end-to-end testing with a limited number of health care providers from July 21 to 25.

Save the Date: June 5 Policy Forum on Health Disparities

Minnesota Health Commissioner Edward Ehlinger, M.D., will be a guest speaker at an MMA policy forum on health disparities on June 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wilder Center in St. Paul. Watch future issues of MMA News Now for more details.

Tobacco Cessation Service Updated

ClearWay Minnesota recently launched a new version of Quitplan Services with new tools, easier access and more support to help patients quit tobacco. The MMA is a strategic partner of Clearway Minnesota. Quitplan now offers text messages, email support, a downloadable quit guide and free starter kits that include a two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum or lozenges to help tobacco users quit. In addition, tobacco users can speak to a quit coach over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more go online or call 1-888-354-PLAN (7526).

The MMA Podcast

Listen to MMA advocacy staff discuss our top priorities for the 2014 legislative session on the MMA Podcast. Topics include: Regulating e-cigarettes; ensuring an integrated team approach to health care with advanced practice registered nurses; and prohibiting minors from using tanning beds.

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Events

June 5 - Health Disparities Policy Forum
Sept 19 -20 - MMA Annual Meeting (Brainerd)