Top Stories

MMA-Backed Legislation Continues Making Progress

Heading into the Easter/Passover break, MMA-backed legislation continued moving forward at the Capitol. Issues include: prescription opioids, all-payer claims database, APRNs, anti-bullying, synthetic drugs and medical marijuana.

Seven Organizations to Participate in Choosing Wisely Initiative

Seven Minnesota health organizations will participate in an MMA-backed program to improve physician-patient dialogue about health care services that may be unnecessary.

MMA and MMA Foundation Present Awards

The MMA and MMA Foundation have presented their annual quality, community service and excellence in medical journalism awards.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 26

Minnesota physicians are asked to remind their patients that they can safely dispose of their prescription drugs on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 26.

MMA Continues to Gather Input on Prior Authorization for Meds

The MMA is still seeking input from physicians and their clinic staff regarding the issue of attaining prior authorization for medications. The MMA will use the findings to look for ways to improve the process. To provide feedback, visit the MMA website. Information, unless noted otherwise, will be kept confidential. Along with specifics about meds, insurance and medical specialty, the website will gather anecdotal information and ask for suggestions on how to improve medication prior authorization.

PMP and Health IT Event Scheduled for May 13

Physicians can learn more about integrating access to the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) with Health IT at a meeting May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Roseville Radisson. Hosted by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, the event will feature speakers from the PMP, Health IT software experts and a representative from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Please inform staff from your clinics/health systems who are involved with clinical workflow integration efforts about the event. To register, click here.

Survey: How is the MMA Doing?

Help the MMA better understand what's on physicians' minds by completing the annual value/satisfaction survey. You should have received an email with a link to the survey on April 1 and a reminder email on April 9. Thanks to the hundreds of members and nonmembers who have already taken the survey. Your opinion helps guide MMA program development and tell us if we're on the right track. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey.

Show Your Creative Side

Do you have a story to tell? A photo you'd like to share? Then Minnesota Medicine is looking for you. Enter your essay, poem or short story in Minnesota Medicine's "Medical Musings" writing contest by May 5. Or enter the best photo you've taken in the annual photography contest by May 12. Winners will be featured in the July issue of the magazine. For more information and to enter, visit the Minnesota Medicine contest website.

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day

This year marks the seventh anniversary of National Healthcare Decisions Day. Held every April 16, it's a time to focus on the conversations and actions people need to take to make sure their health care decisions are documented and followed. In Minnesota, Honoring Choices has been leading a statewide, public health initiative since 2008 to raise public awareness and partner with health care providers to ensure every adult knows how to manage this process.

The MMA Podcast

A lot has been happening at the state Capitol in terms of health care legislation. Tune into The MMA Podcast to review the latest with Eric Dick, MMA's manager of state legislative affairs.

Minnesota Medicine

Reversing tragedy
Proposed legislation will increase access to an antidote to opioid overdose.

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Bring the latest edition of Minnesota Medicine with you: Digital Edition.

Other MMA News

Headlines & Links

Events

June 17 - Health Disparities Forum
Sept 19 -20 - MMA Annual Meeting (Brainerd)