HF4167

Purpose

To update the Teachers Retirement Association’s disability pension process by allowing a broader set of medical professionals to submit reports in support of a member’s application to receive or continue disability benefits, and to create a formal definition of “medical provider.”

Main provisions

• Adds a formal definition: “Medical provider” means an individual licensed as a physician, chiropractor, physician assistant, APRN (advanced practice registered nurse), or (with respect to a mental impairment) a psychologist.
• Expands who can submit medical reports: The bill allows physician assistants and psychologists (in addition to other listed providers) to submit reports in support of a member’s disability pension application or continuation.
• Statutory updates: Makes these changes by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024 sections 354.05 (adding a new subdivision), and adjusting sections 354.07 and 354.48 as needed to reflect the expanded reporting authority and definition.

Significant changes to existing law

• Introduces a defined term “Medical provider” within the statute.
• Broadens the range of medical professionals who may submit supporting reports for disability pension claims from the TRA, including chiropractors, physician assistants, APRNs, and psychologists (for mental impairment cases).

Potential impact

• May improve access to qualifying medical input for disability determinations by allowing more types of providers to submit reports.
• Could streamline the disability pension process and potentially reduce delays in establishing eligibility or continued eligibility for benefits.

Scope and applicability

• Applies to the Teachers Retirement Association’s disability pension processes.
• Specifically relevant to situations involving mental impairment assessments (psychologists) and general medical assessments (physicians, chiropractors, physician assistants, APRNs).

Relevant Terms

medical provider, physician, chiropractor, physician assistant, APRN, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, mental impairment, disability pension, Teachers Retirement Association, Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 354.05, section 354.07, section 354.48