HF2393

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to expand the types of healthcare professionals who can serve as medical consultants for community health boards in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Expanded Eligibility: The bill allows more types of licensed health professionals to be considered as medical consultants. It permits doctors of osteopathic medicine, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses, provided they have national certification as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners, to serve in this role.
• Employment Scope: These eligible medical consultants can work under a written agreement with the community health board, be employed by it, or be contracted by it. Their responsibilities include providing advice, authorizing medical procedures through established protocols, and helping coordinate activities with local medical practitioners and healthcare institutions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Inclusion of Additional Professions: Previously, only physicians licensed to practice medicine were eligible to serve as medical consultants. This bill amends existing law to include other healthcare professionals like doctors of osteopathic medicine, physician assistants, and nationally certified advanced practice registered nurses.

Relevant Terms

• Medical consultant
• Community health board
• Physician, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
• Physician assistant
• Advanced practice registered nurse
• Clinical nurse specialist, Nurse practitioner
• Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
• Minnesota Board of Nursing