Purpose

Creates a dedicated task force to study women’s medical procedural pain. The goal is to collect and analyze data on painful procedures, identify ways to reduce how often these procedures are used, or find safer or less invasive alternatives, and make recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature.

Scope of the Task Force

• Focus areas include the following procedures: cesarean section, cervical biopsy, endometrial biopsy, intrauterine device insertion and removal, and hysteroscopy.
• Gather input from women who have personally experienced these painful procedures and from health care professionals who treat them.
• Produce recommendations for legislative action related to laws affecting women’s medical procedural pain.

Membership and Compensation

• Members to be appointed by the Commissioner of Health and include:
  • Two physicians licensed in obstetrics and gynecology
  • One physician licensed in internal medicine or family medicine
  • Two health care professionals licensed in pain management
  • Five women who have experienced medical procedural pain
  • One ex officio member from the Department of Health
  • One ex officio member from the Board of Medical Practice
• Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses as allowed by law.

Duties and Activities

• Collect and analyze data on painful procedures affecting women (as listed above).
• Gather input from women who have experienced these procedures and from health care professionals who treat them.
• Identify ways health care professionals can minimize the use of these procedures or identify safer or alternative options.
• Make recommendations to the Legislature on potential legislative actions related to women’s medical procedural pain.

Meetings and Administrative Support

• The first meeting must occur by January 1, 2027.
• The Commissioner of Health provides meeting space and administrative support.
• The task force elects a chair (and other officers as needed) at the first meeting.
• Meetings should be scheduled and held at least quarterly.
• Meetings must follow the Open Meeting Law (Minnesota Statutes chapter 13D).

Reporting and Expiration

• By January 1, 2028, the task force must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative health and human services committees with findings and recommendations.
• The task force expires upon submission of this required report.

Significance and Potential Impact

• Establishes a formal, data-driven process to address women’s pain associated with specific medical procedures.
• Creates a diverse advisory group, including patients, clinicians across specialties, and disciplinary representatives.
• Aims to inform potential changes in laws or policies to reduce unnecessary procedures and promote safer or alternative approaches.

Changes to existing law (legal framework)

• Establishes a new temporary body (task force) with a defined remit and timeline.
• Requires that the task force’s work and meetings comply with existing open meetings requirements.
• Uses existing reimbursement rules for expenses, per Minnesota statute 15.059.

Relevant Terms - women's medical procedural pain - painful medical procedures - cesarean section - cervical biopsy - endometrial biopsy - intrauterine device insertion and removal - hysteroscopy - task force - data collection and analysis - input from patients and providers - alternatives to procedures - legislative action - Open Meeting Law - Department of Health - Board of Medical Practice - pain management - obstetrics and gynecology - internal medicine - family medicine - Minnesota Statutes 15.059