Since 1990, select health professionals who agree to work in underserved areas of the state have had a portion of their student loans forgiven. Last year, $7.8 million in loans were forgiven and soon, another $20 million may be available from the federal stimulus funds.Beginning next fiscal year, HF113 would add pediatric psychologists to the list of eligible healthcare providers.
Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood), the bill sponsor, said it is in response to a shortage of mental health beds and workers in Minnesota, which should be confirmed in a workforce shortages report due out this week.
“One of the issues that we’re really grappling with is getting the right care at the right place at the right time across Minnesota. We’ve had real access problems in the state, particularly in the area of psychiatric help and also pediatric mental health services,” Dean told the House Housing Finance and Policy and Public Health Finance Division March 10.
The bill will be considered for possible inclusion in the division’s omnibus bill. Its companion, SF92, sponsored by Sen. Ray Vandeveer (R-Forest Lake), awaits action by the Senate Health and Human Services Budget Division.
HHS bill is DOA but hoping for CPR
Supporters cite gaining federal funds, governor concerned about spending
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Published 5/13/2010
House passes HHS budget bill
Members reluctantly vote for cuts; governor says bill is too costly
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Published 5/6/2010
Not cutting as deep
Although painful now, omnibus HHS budget bill could set stage for reform
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Published 4/29/2010
Revisiting GAMC
Program participation questionable, hospitals favor earlier federal reform
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Published 4/22/2010
A distress call for SOS?
State Operated Services plans programmatic redesign, amidst criticism
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Published 4/22/2010
Minnesota Index: Health coverage
Figures and statistics on health coverage and other vitals
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Published 4/22/2010
Inking a deal for donors
State oversight of body arts could reduce donor deferrals
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Published 4/15/2010
Nursing a level playing field
Sides differ on who should pay for nursing home costs
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Published 4/8/2010
Saying ‘sorry’
House resolution would apologize for practices done decades ago
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Published 3/25/2010
And the cupboard is bare
More Minnesotans struggle to put food on the table
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Published 2/25/2010
Future of GAMC uncertain
Legislators consider health care for state’s poor, sick
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Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Health care law quagmire
Sustainability at issue in law line-item vetoed by governor
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: More compromise, more reductions
Cuts in health and human services finance bill called ‘painful’
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Published 5/15/2009
At Issue: Cuts hang in the balance
Much depends on tax increases
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Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Providing ‘pretty darn good coverage’
A new approach to public health could save millions in benefits, advocates say
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Published 4/10/2009
First Reading: Complex problem, complex solution
Cuts to health and human services could create reform opportunity
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Published 4/3/2009
Minnesota Index: Health boards
Figures and statistics on health licensing board in Minnesota
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Published 3/13/2009
At Issue: Medical marijuana
Controversial treatment clears first committee hurdle
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Published 2/20/2009
Minnesota Index: Less lighting up
Figures and statistics on smoking in Minnesota
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Published 2/20/2009