Cities' Push for T21 Ordinances Continues to Grow

City ordinances that prohibit the sale of tobacco products to those under the age of 21 appear to be gaining momentum in Minnesota. St. Louis Park became the latest city to pass an ordinance, following Edina, which created its new rule in early May. Read more here. 

MMA Staffer Addresses Federal Health Care Proposals and Prospects at Mankato Luncheon

Janet Silversmith, MMA's director of health policy, discussed Congressional proposals to replace the Affordable Care Act and the potential impact in Minnesota as part of a July 18 lunch forum hosted by Greater Mankato Grow, the city's chamber of commerce. Approximately 40 local business people and community members attended the forum called: "Health Care: What's Going On and What It All Means." A panel discussion followed the overview and included: James Hebl, MD, region vice president, Mayo Clinic Health System southwest Minnesota region, and Steve Hatkin, CFO of the Mankato Clinic.

MMA Urges Changes to State Quality Measurement Reporting

On July 17, the MMA submitted comments to the Minnesota Department of Health regarding recommended changes to the Statewide Quality Reporting and Measurement System. Under SQRMS, physician practices and hospitals are required to collect and report quality measurement data. Read more here. 

Member Begins Terms as FSMB Chair

MMA member Gregory B. Snyder, MD, has begun his year-long term as chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), a national non-profit organization representing all 70 medical boards within the United States and its territories that license and discipline allopathic and osteopathic physicians. Read more here. 

Palliative Care Council Seeks Physician Members

An advisory group formed to study issues related to palliative care has begun accepting applications for interested physicians. The 2017 Legislature created the group, the Palliative Care Advisory Council, to advise the Department of Health on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation, and outcomes evaluation of palliative care initiatives in the state. The 18-member group has two positions for physicians, one of which is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The remaining task force members include other health care providers, patients and family members, spiritual advisors, health plan representatives, and others. For more information and application materials, click here.

Volunteer Openings Available on MMA Policy Committees

Volunteer positions are available on each of the following MMA policy committees of the Board of Trustees: Ethics and Medical-Legal Affairs; Finance and Audit; Medical Practice & Quality; and Membership and Communications. Read more here.

Time to Submit Issues for Open Issues Forum at Annual Conference

Have an issue for which MMA action may be needed? Submit it for consideration at the Open Issues Forum, held annually at the MMA Annual Conference. This is a great opportunity to bring issues to the attention of the MMA, to discuss issues submitted by your fellow colleagues, and to get perspective on issues from physicians across the state. Deadline: Friday, Aug. 11.

Deadline Approaching - Medical Students, Residents and Fellows: Share Research at the 4th Annual Poster Symposium

Get feedback from practicing physicians on your research! Submit an abstract to be considered for a poster presentation during the MMA's Annual Conference on Sept. 23 in Rochester. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in and actively pursuing an approved course within Minnesota leading to the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathy, or engaged in a resident or fellow program approved by the Liaison Committee on Graduate Medical Education. If you have questions regarding eligibility, contact the MMA at [email protected]. Accepted poster entrants receive free registration to the conference. Submission deadline: July 31.