Minnesota law would preserve access to alternative medicine

A recently introduced Senate bill called the “Minnesota Expanded Healthcare Practices Act” seeks to preserve access to alternative medicine. S.B. No. 3419 defines expanded health services as those “that are not generally considered to be within the prevailing minimum standards of care of a profession.” The bill sets loose limitations on when alternative medicine practices can be used, including that the treatment must have “a reasonable basis” for benefit to the patient and that it doesn’t have a “greater risk” of harm than conventional options. The appropriate state licensing board would bear the burden of proof in establishing that a health provider has deviated from the law. The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.

• A House proposal would establish medical homes for Somali children afflicted with autism. H.F. No. 3843 would create a medical home that would be charged with providing “early identification and intervention to Somali children.” The medical home personnel would be responsible for developing community health providers to treat such children.

• A newly introduced Senate bill would limit health plans’ profit margins to 6 percent. Any net income in excess of 6 percent of revenue would be refunded to the state’s general fund, according to provisions of S.F. No. 3423. The law would go into effect immediately upon enactment. The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.

Photo from flickr user KeithBurtis