Legislative Priorities
MNASCA actively champions the interests of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in Minnesota through strategic engagement with state legislators, regulatory bodies, and executive agencies. We identify and scrutinize key issues impacting ASCs, taking decisive action to safeguard and enhance their capacity to deliver superior, cost-effective patient care.
Minnesota's Political Landscape
The DFL Party maintains control of the Minnesota Senate with a narrow majority of 34-33. Meanwhile, the Minnesota House of Representatives is currently tied at 67-67, with two recounts pending for closely contested DFL victories. In the recent 2024 elections for the House, Republicans gained three seats, resulting in a total of 22 new members, comprised of 14 Republicans and 8 DFL members. Notably, this election has led to a significant shift in experience levels within the House, as there are now 81 members with four years or less of legislative experience.
House Update
House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) jointly announced that they have reached an agreement on the House committee structure and committee schedule. Given the 67-67 tie, neither party holds a majority, so this agreement is key to ensuring a functional and collaborative legislative process. This agreement will allow both parties to share leadership roles, manage committee responsibilities, and work together on key legislative priorities.
The standing committees and divisions will have equal representation from both DFL and Republican members, with co-chairs from each party. Specific committee memberships will be decided at a later time.
Check out the House committee schedule.
See more information on incoming legislators in the new Member Guide 2025-2026.
MNASCA's Key Issues for 2025
The 2025 Legislative Session is set to begin on January 14th, with lawmakers focused on the critical task of passing a biennial budget. MNASCA will remain actively engaged with policymakers on a number of key issues, including:
- Support for additional prior authorization reform to ease administrative burdens and address patient delays
- Address healthcare workforce challenges, including support for Allied Healthcare Professions scholarship funding (including surgical technologists, radiology technologists, etc.) and engagement with the Healthcare Professionals Workforce Advisory Council
- Monitor Scope of Practice initiatives that would impact ASC’s
- Engage in insurance coverage issues including support for extending the current Reinsurance Program and opposition to expansion of the MN Care program into a Public Option
- Oppose legislation that would prohibit private equity or REITS from investing in health care
- Engage with the MN Department of Labor & Industry to address the inadequate provider reimbursement in Mn’s Workers Compensation program
- Monitor the MN Attorney General’s enforcement of the 2023 Merger and Acquisition legislation, including data reporting and restrictions or denials of market transactions
- Monitor implementation of MN’s medical debt reform package and impact on providers
Other resources:
2024 Election Outcomes
2024 MNASCA end-of-session summary
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