Friends and Neighbors,
We hit the ground running again this week. We met on the Senate floor Monday to pass a few important bills. Two of mine were on the docket and I worked on an important amendment as well.
Here is a summary of my bills that passed:
Minnesota Athletic Trainers Act Modification (SF2919)
This bill modifies the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Act by amending definitions and expanding the scope of practice for athletic trainers. It changes “individual” and “athlete” to “patients”. With this change, the athletic trainers will not be limited. They will be able to freely treat those who seek their services!
Child Care Training Timelines Extension and Clarification (SF979)
This bill will align childcare training timelines. Individual types of training such as first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, sudden unexpected infant death and abusive head trauma will all occur at a certain point in the year rather than being staggered throughout the year. This will be very helpful to those who do not have staff as they will be able to take care of these administrative tasks once rather than multiple times. The Minnesota Association of Child Care Providers (MACCP), a professional association that represents family childcare providers, testified in support of the bill in committee in 2019 session.
Amendment to the Health-related Boards Bill (SF2939)
When SF2939 came up on the floor this week I proposed an amendment based on language from a nurse pensions bill I authored (SF4498). The amendment allows retired nurses to return to work if they are wanting to help us through COVID-19. Currently, their hours are limited and if they work too much during this peacetime emergency, they risk losing their retirement benefits. If they are willing to return to work, we want to ensure they can do so without limit. This pandemic is an all-hands-on-deck situation. This is especially targeted to ICU and triage healthcare workers. If nurses are retired, but are willing to help, it is important they are still able to keep their pensions. The amendment was passed with Senator Nelson’s bill. Thank you to all of our nurses who are sacrificing so much to care for us!
I will continue to update you as the legislative session progresses. As always if you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact my office at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn or 651-296-5655.
Mary
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