Senate passes bill widening who may serve as community health board medical consultant

The Minnesota Senate gave final approval on March 12 to Senate File 3402, a bill that expands which licensed professionals may serve as medical consultants for community health boards. The bill passed on final passage by a vote of 64 ayes to 2 nays.

Senator Aki, sponsor of the bill on the floor, said the bill "modifies the definition of medical consultant in our community health boards chapter," allowing community health boards to appoint doctors of osteopathic medicine, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses certified as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners in addition to physicians. "This would allow these community health boards to expand their options to coordinate their activities with local medical practitioners and health care institutions," Aki said.

Senator Wicklund spoke in support, saying a Bloomington public health director had raised concerns that an incumbent medical consultant may retire soon and that widening eligible professionals would help counties and cities fill the role. The sponsor noted that there are currently 53 community health boards in Minnesota and that the change would give them more flexibility to find qualified medical consultants.

The secretary took the role for final passage; the floor vote produced a 64–2 result and the bill's title was agreed to. Senate File 3402 moves forward after final passage in the Senate.