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.
2026 Key Issues
The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session convenes February 17 and must adjourn by May 18, making it a short, non-budget session focused largely on policy initiatives, oversight, and targeted supplemental measures. This year begins with a uniquely competitive political landscape: the Minnesota House remains evenly divided at 67–67, while the Senate holds a narrow one-seat Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) majority. Fiscal discussions will occur against a mixed economic backdrop, with a projected short-term state budget surplus paired with forecasts of structural deficits in future biennia. Complicating the environment further, 2026 is a statewide election year - all 201 legislative seats and Minnesota’s constitutional offices will be on the ballot - shaping priorities, timelines, and the overall tone of policymaking during the session.
MNASCA will remain actively engaged with policymakers on a number of important issues, including:
- Support for additional prior authorization reform to ease administrative burdens and address patient delays
- Support legislation that would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to make prior authorization denials
- Monitor licensure initiative for Anesthesiologist Assistants in MN
- Monitor scope of practice expansion initiative for Radiologic Technologists
- Oppose legislation that would prohibit private equity or REITS from investing in health care
- Oppose the MN Healthcare Accountability Act which seeks to limit/restrict corporate involvement with healthcare practices including onerous reporting requirements and excessive penalties
- Engage with the MN Department of Labor & Industry to look into provider reimbursement in MN’s Workers Compensation program for ASC’s/clinics
- 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 two key healthcare oversight initiatives at the Mn Department of Health: The Health Care Affordability Advisory Task Force and the Provider and Payor Advisory Task Force
- Monitor implementation of MN’s medical debt reform package and impact on providers
- Support changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave and Earned Sick and Safe Time programs to address provider concerns impacting patient care
- Support Medical Assistance rate adjustments for outpatient physician and professional services
- Support for medical liability reform: reduce the statute of limitations from four years to two years; cap non-economic damages and place limitations on provider personal liability
Minnesota State Legislative Calendar
Key 2026 Legislative Session Dates:
- Tuesday, February 17 at Noon - Legislative Session begins
- Friday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m. - First committee deadline
- Friday, April 17 at 5:00 p.m. - Second committee deadline
- Recess dates begin on Friday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m. and resume on Monday, April 7 at 8:00 a.m.
- Monday, May 18 at 11:59 p.m. - Legislative Session adjourns
2025 Healthcare End of Session Summary
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