SF2505 Bill Summary

• Establishes Minnesota Health Policy Commission with 15 members to monitor and make recommendations on health care costs, delivery system reform, and policy changes to improve patient experience and reduce per capita costs; commission expires June 15, 2024.

• Modifies health care services and coverage including requiring digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammograms) for at-risk patients, allowing step therapy overrides, requiring prescription refill synchronization, and prohibiting plans from preventing pharmacists from disclosing price differentials to patients.

• Increases prescription monitoring program access and requirements beginning January 1, 2020, requiring prescribers to check the system before issuing Schedule II or III controlled substances; authorizes Board of Pharmacy to collect fees from users accessing data through vendor services.

• Converts allied health professional licensing renewals to birth month cycles for physician assistants, acupuncturists, respiratory therapists, traditional midwives, naturopathic doctors, and genetic counselors, effective January 1, 2019, with transition provisions through 2021.

• Strengthens oversight of Office of Health Facility Complaints requiring comprehensive policies, staff training, quality control measures, and quarterly reports on maltreatment investigations of vulnerable adults; increases appropriations for opioid reduction pilots and tobacco cessation services.