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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
  • Address healthcare workforce challenges, including support for Allied Healthcare Professions scholarship funding (including surgical technologists, radiology technologists, etc.) and engagement with the Healthcare Professionals Workforce Advisory Council
  • Monitor Scope of Practice initiatives that would impact ASC’s
  • Engage in insurance coverage issues including support for extending the current Reinsurance Program and opposition to expansion of the MN Care program into a Public Option
  • Oppose legislation that would prohibit private equity or REITS from investing in health care
  • Engage with the MN Department of Labor & Industry to address the inadequate provider reimbursement in Mn’s Workers Compensation program
  • 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 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

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