Purpose of the Bill

The proposed legislation seeks to address the ongoing challenges and future needs of the healthcare workforce in Minnesota. The bill aims to establish a Minnesota Health Care Workforce Advisory Council to analyze and provide recommendations on improving workforce demographics, distribution, training, and retention across healthcare sectors.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the Advisory Council: The council will be responsible for researching and providing data analysis on healthcare workforce needs. It will coordinate with various entities to develop comprehensive workforce strategies.
• Membership: The council will consist of 16 members, including legislators, department commissioners, and individuals appointed by the governor with expertise in workforce needs. Members serve four-year terms.
• Council Responsibilities: The council will develop a five-year workforce plan to address supply, demand, and retention issues in healthcare. They will focus on increasing diversity, supporting education and training, and addressing geographic and demographic disparities.
• Data and Recommendations: The council will gather and analyze data to advise on existing and new government policies. They will work on identifying funding opportunities and strategies to support healthcare workforce development.
• Regular Updates and Reporting: A comprehensive workforce plan will be submitted every five years with interim updates on metrics and goals to the governor. This ensures ongoing assessment and adaptation of strategies based on emerging trends and needs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creation of a New Advisory Body: The bill establishes a formal advisory council with the power to influence healthcare workforce policy and planning. This introduces a structured approach to addressing workforce challenges at the state level.
• Enhanced Data Collection: Requires state agencies to cooperate with the council in providing necessary data, potentially changing how data is shared and used across state entities.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Health Care Workforce Advisory Council, workforce shortages, health equity, geographic distribution, demographic diversity, healthcare providers, training and education, retention models, legislative recommendations, healthcare workforce plan, advisory council membership, public and private sector policies, comprehensive workforce plan.