Senate file 2322 would create a statewide health care workforce advisory council, proponents say

Senate file 2322, presented by Senator Rickland, would create a statewide health care workforce advisory council to coordinate data collection, planning and legislative recommendations on Minnesota's health workforce needs.

Why it matters: Testimony from university and workforce experts argued Minnesota lacks a single coordinating body that can analyze statewide data, align investments, and recommend strategic priorities across professions. Dr. Shali Prasad (University of Minnesota) told the committee that workforce development takes time and that a standing council can help Minnesota plan for changes such as telehealth and new technologies. Tricia Todd (director, Pre‑Health Student Resource Center, University of Minnesota) and Valerie Dafore (executive director, Minnesota State Healthforce Center of Excellence) said a council could bring together education, employers and state agencies to produce actionable recommendations; Dafore cited a 2015 mental health workforce plan example in which many recommendations were implemented.

Members' questions and response: Committee members asked how appointees would be selected and whether the council would be effective rather than duplicative. Testifiers said the intent is to appoint subject‑matter experts and to set multi‑year priorities that guide appointments. Senator Rickland said the council would help connect workforce investments already made by the Legislature to measured outcomes.

Committee action: The committee voted to pass Senate file 2322 and re‑refer it to the Committee on State and Local Government (voice vote).