Legislation Supporting Hennepin Healthcare Governing Body Heard in St. Paul

May 9, 2024

The House Health Finance and Policy Committee heard legislation that would establish explicit criteria and initiate a formal investigation process prior to dissolution of the Hennepin Healthcare System Board of Directors. 

The legislation (HF 5442, Liebling, DFL – Rochester) comes in the wake of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) calling for the disbanding of the Hennepin Healthcare System board and for the Hennepin County Board to take control of the system. 

The MMA shared a letter in support of the legislation, arguing the bill is needed to prioritize patient care. Dissolution of the Hennepin Healthcare Board without prior investigation risks compromising patient safety. “The potential disruption of operations at Hennepin Healthcare has serious statewide implications,” says the letter signed by MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “Hennepin Healthcare ranks first in Medicaid volume in Minnesota, is the busiest Level I trauma in the state, and is one of the largest teaching hospitals in the state.”  

Others testified in favor of the legislation, including former Commissioners of Health Jan Malcolm and Edward Ehlinger, MD, MSPH. 

“The county set up the current board structure for a good reason,” Malcolm testified. “The Hennepin County Board set up the Hennepin Health System Board so there would be a group of folks with the time, ability, and relevant expertise, clinical and otherwise, to help provide guidance and governance on behalf of the county, to this critical institution.” 

Ehlinger echoed Malcolm’s support for the current governance structure. 

“I’ve been impressed with the willingness and openness of Hennepin Healthcare leadership and staff to hear concerns and ideas from employees, patients, and the broader community,” Ehlinger said. “We must ensure that all are able to share their concerns and feedback to feel confident their concerns are being heard. Despite a hostile healthcare landscape, Hennepin Healthcare continues to effectively serve the needs of Hennepin County and the state. It is a vital part of our clinical care and public health structure that needs to be preserved. Changes to the organizational structure would carry huge risks, and if done, must be done with caution and broad perspective, which encompasses the needs of the entire community.” 

Other proponents of the bill shared concerns that administrative authority over medical decision-making would be influenced by elected officials who may be subject to political influences. 

The legislation is opposed by MNA members, who testified that Hennepin Healthcare has ignored requests of their workers. Many cited inadequate investments by the administration to address working conditions. The MMA shares the concerns related to underfunding for workforce needs, recognizing that both nurses and physicians are experiencing unprecedented levels of burnout that have been exacerbated by current workforce shortages. However, the MMA argued MNA’s public request to shift authority from the Hennepin Healthcare System board and for the Hennepin County Board should be first investigated to ensure patient health is not put at risk. 

HF 5442 was laid over for possible inclusion into the health omnibus bill.