Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced the commencement of a new phase in the negotiations concerning the future of academic and clinical medicine and community health in the state. The discussions, involving the University of Minnesota, Fairview, and Essentia Health, will be guided by a strategic facilitator, tasked with helping the parties find a way forward collaboratively.
The facilitator chosen for this role is Lois Quam, an experienced executive in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, and a former official at the U.S. Department of State. Quam, also a St. Paul resident, has been acknowledged by Fortune magazine as a top woman in American business for three consecutive years.
Attorney General Ellison has emphasized the importance of discretion and confidentiality during these negotiations, stating, "A successful future for academic and clinical medicine and community health in Minnesota is a critically important component of Minnesota’s public and economic health and the health and prosperity of every Minnesota family and community." He also expressed satisfaction with the selection of a strategic facilitator and urged all parties to focus on future outcomes.
Ellison has invited public input on the negotiations, encouraging individuals to submit their views confidentially through his website or via a designated phone line. These insights will be shared with the strategic facilitator to assist the ongoing dialogue among the parties involved.
University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham, Fairview CEO and President James Hereford, and Essentia Health CEO Dr. David Herman have all expressed a collective commitment to the process and a shared goal of finding sustainable solutions that improve healthcare outcomes for Minnesotans.
According to Minnesota law, the Attorney General has the authority to review healthcare transactions and ensure they align with public interest, all while maintaining his regulatory power over charities and antitrust laws. However, the engagement of a strategic facilitator does not signify preapproval of any outcomes by Ellison’s office.
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