Top Stories

MMA Files Brief to Lessen Physicians' Legal Exposure
On Sept. 20, the MMA filed a "friend of the court" brief in Howard v. Svoboda, a case that centers around the "informal conference" statute that permits early and informal exchange of information in medical malpractice cases. Early information-sharing often helps cases move toward resolution more quickly. Read more here.

St. Cloud Physician Named President-Elect

St. Cloud geriatrician and long-time member, George Schoephoerster, MD, is the new president-elect for the MMA. He will assume his new position as an MMA officer at this weekend's Annual Conference. Read more here.

MMA Takes Part in Opioids Roundtable with Congressman

On Sept. 16, MMA members took part in a roundtable discussion in Minnetonka on the challenges facing the nation with the current opioid abuse epidemic. Read more here.

Member Promoted at U of M Medical School

Anne Pereira, MD, MPH, FACP, co-chair of the MMA's Preceptor Initiative Advisory Group, has been promoted to assistant dean for curriculum. Previously, Pereira held the position of assistant dean for clinical education. In her new role, she will provide oversight, vision and strategy across the medical school curriculum. For more information, visit the medical school website.

Tools Available to Prepare for New Medicare Quality Payment Program

Although the new Medicare quality payment program created by the 2015 MACRA law doesn't take effect until 2019, physician practices are urged to prepare now. Performance on quality and other metrics in 2017 will serve as the basis for Medicare payments in 2019. Final program regulations and metrics will be released later this year and could involve new or different data collection requirements as early as Jan. 1, 2017. To help members understand the changes, the MMA has created a comprehensive set of resources and offers a free, in-person presentation to clinic leadership.

Honoring Choices Minnesota Featured at National Conference

Honoring Choices Minnesota gave a presentation on its successful 2015 legislative funding request at the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care National Summit Sept. 20-21 in Washington, D.C. Honoring Choices Minnesota has led efforts surrounding advance care planning in Minnesota since 2008 and is recognized nationally as a successful model. For more information, visit the group's website.

Two Weeks Away: Final Physicians' Social for 2016 is in Duluth

Following the successful Physicians' Socials in Minneapolis and Rochester, the MMA is hosting an event in Duluth on Oct. 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Harbor View Room at Fitger's, 600 E. Superior St. The event is a celebration of medicine, a thank you to members, and a welcome to new and prospective members. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. For more information, go to the MMA website.

MMA Staffer Leads Discussion on Advocacy

On Sept. 20, Dave Renner, the MMA's director of state and federal legislation, moderated an Associations North (formerly Midwest Society of Association Executives) program "Lobbying and Government Relations." Presenters included Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-Minneapolis) and Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), who talked about communications and lobbying strategies that work with legislators. Hayden and Dean were joined by tax attorney Emily Robertson, who discussed issues related to reporting and compliance for associations that lobby and participate in political action, and Todd Rapp, president of Himle Rapp & Company, who spoke about ways associations can engage their members.

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Events

Sept. 23 - 24: MMA 2016 Annual Conference (St. Louis Park)
Oct. 4: Physicians' Social (Duluth)