We have Issues

I think there is always an issue that can be discussed, evaluated, or created within any society.  In Minnesota, we are not unique to the issues that present to our legislature.  From healthcare, violence prevention, and other laws, our legislators spend a lot of time figuring out how to make society better.  The past few years, I have spent a considerable amount of time learning about issues that impact healthcare and helping educate legislators that are not familiar with the unique challenges that operating a healthcare facility can bring.  Many times, the legislation that is created may have unintended consequences.  One of the proposed legislative initiatives is related to a mental health crisis team requirement HF4210.  While in theory it would be great if we could have a team as proposed in place, but it is simply NOT realistic in rural healthcare under the terms the current legislation offers.  Legislation such as this could collapse many rural hospitals that could be fined for noncompliance simply because the resources needed currently are very limited do not exist at all in the rural market.   We need YOUR help to write your legislator and the Governor making them aware of the issues and on how they influence our ability to provide care to the community.  Please join me in contacting Senator Dahms and Representative Swedzinski to voice your concerns. If you need assistance with creating your message or wish to further your understanding on the impact of this legislation on our rural hospital, please reach out to me, Kris Jacobson, at [email protected].

Kris Jacobson,  LNHA, LALD, MBA
JMHS CEO