What is MPHA's position on national health care reform?MPHA has not taken a formal position on any proposed national health care reform legislation. However, the Policy & Advocacy committee will provide periodic updates to members from the American Public Health Association (APHA). As federal legislation is passed, MPHA will focus on providing the membership with information about the implications of these changes among Minnesota residents. Does MPHA have a resolution on health care reform?In 2004, MPHA passed a resolution that the organization support policies that are congruent with the 14 priniciples of health care articulated by APHA. These principles are listed below: 1. Universal coverage for everyone in the United States and in Minnesota. 2. Comprehensive benefits including health maintenance, preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services for all types of illnesses and health conditions. 3. Elimination of financial barriers to care. 4. Financing based on ability to pay. 5. Organization and administration of health care through publicly-accountable mechanisms to assure maximum responsiveness to public needs, with a major role for federal, state, and local government health agencies. 6. Incentives and safeguards to assure effective and efficient organization of services and high-quality care. 7. Fair payment to providers using mechanisms which encourage appropriate treatment by providers and appropriate utilization by consumers. 8. Ongoing evaluation and planning to improve the delivery of health services with consumer and provider participation. 9. Inclusion of disease prevention and health promotion programs. 10. Support of education and training programs for all health workers. 11. Affirmative action programs in the training, employment, and promotion of health workers. 12. Non-discrimination in the delivery of health services. 13. Education of consumers about their health rights and responsibilities. 14. Attention in the organization, staffing, delivery, and payment of care to the needs of all populations, including those confronting geographic, physical, cultural, language, and other non-financial barriers to service. How can I find out more?If you are interested in learning more about the positions APHA is taking on health care reform, please visit the "Legislative Updates" link in the Policy & Advocacy section of APHA's website: http://www.apha.org/advocacy/healthiestnation/legislation/ A summary of APHA's 2009 agenda for health care reform can be accessed via the link below: http://www.apha.org/NR/rdonlyres/681AD0D2-7DD0-48DD-8D59-E425E271156D/0/HlthReform09C6.pdf |