Advisory committees at MDH
CURRENTLY FUNCTIONING UNDER STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
Advisory Council on Wells and Borings
The Advisory Council on Wells and Borings is authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.105 and consists of 18 voting members. The membership includes six well contractors, four limited or specialized well and boring contractors, two public members, and six representatives of various state agencies. The council advises the Minnesota Department of Health on technical matters related to the construction, repair, and sealing of wells and borings and the licensure of well and boring contractors. The council also administers the oral examination of well contractor license applicants. Council meetings are held quarterly, usually the first Wednesday of March, June, September, and December, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The term of membership for any nonagency member is four years. Please refer to the list of council members for terms of service and upcoming vacancies. The agency representatives are assigned by their respective commissioners. Persons interested in serving on the council must submit an application (Appointments Application for Service on State Agency) to the Secretary of State, who handles all applications for open appointments to state boards, councils, and other bodies. The Commissioner of Health makes the actual appointments to the council. Nonagency members receive a $55 per diem for each meeting attended and lodging, meal, and travel expenses are reimbursed.
Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System Scientific Peer Review Committee
The committee reviews applications for use of individual-level cancer data and
makes recommendations to the Commissioner as to whether proposed uses are of
sufficient social and scientific merit to warrant the use of the data. The committee
consists of up to seven scientists who have: attained the degree of medical
doctor, doctor of science, doctor of philosophy, or equivalent degree from an
accredited college or university; specific training in medicine, epidemiology,
cancer research, or biometry from an accredited college or university; and two
or more years of applied experience in epidemiology, medical research, biomedical
research, or biometry. The committee does not meet in person, but conducts its
business via fax, email, and telephone when applications for use of MCSS data
are received. Does not expire. Appointing Authority: Commissioner of Health.
Compensation: None. Minnesota
Statutes 144.671 (4) and Minnesota
Rules 4606.3307. Minnesota Department of Health, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55440-9441. (651) 201-5600.
Clean Water Council
The Clean Water Council provides advice to the Legislative and Executive branches of government on the administration and implementation of the Clean Water Legacy Act and facilitates coordination between all stakeholders playing a role in achieving Clean Water for all Minnesotans. MS 114D
Minnesota e-Health Initiative Advisory Committee
The Minnesota e-Health Initiative Advisory Committee was established in 2004 under Minnesota Statute. Members and Designated Alternates to this statewide advisory committee with 25 representatives are made up of interested and affected stakeholders in health information technology (HIT) who are appointed by the Commissioner of Health. The Advisory Committee advises on policy and has convened workgroups to develop and implement a statewide plan for meeting Minnesota's 2015 Interoperable Electronic Health Record Mandate.
Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian Council
The council advises the Commissioner of Health regarding environmental health
specialist/sanitarian registration standards and enforcement of the environmental
health specialist/sanitarian rules; provides for the dissemination of information
regarding environmental health specialist/sanitarian registration standards;
and reviews applications and recommends applicants for registration or registration
renewal. Two meetings a year, 4-6 hours, varied locations. Appointing Authority:
Commissioner of Health. Compensation: Expenses. Minnesota
Statutes 214.13, subd.1,3. Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental
Health Services Section, P.O. Box 64975, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0975. (651) 201-4500.
Environmental Health Tracking & Biomonitoring Advisory Panel
The advisory panel provides advice and recommendations to the Commissioner of Health regarding the design, implementation and evaluation of the environmental health tracking and biomonitoring program, including recommendations for specific environmental hazards, exposures and diseases to track and specific chemicals for biomonitoring. Membership includes two scientists representing nongovernmental organizations; two scientists representing statewide business organizations; one scientist representing the University of Minnesota; one representative each to be appointed by the speaker of the house and the senate majority leader; one representative each to be appointed by the commissioners of the Pollution Control Agency, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health; and three other representatives meeting the scientific qualifications specified in statute. Meetings held quarterly, at a minimum. Appointing Authority: Commissioner of Health. Compensation: Expenses. Minnesota Statutes 144.998. Minnesota Department of Health. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882.
Hearing Instrument Dispenser
Advisory Council
The council advises the Commissioner of Health on matters relating to certification
and regulation of hearing instrument dispensers including certification standards,
enforcement of certification laws and rules, and examination services. The nine
members include three public members as defined by Minnesota
Statutes 214.02, one to be a hearing instrument user and or an advocate
of a hearing instrument user; three certified hearing instrument dispensers
who are currently, and have been for the five years preceding appointment, engaged
in hearing instrument dispensing in Minnesota and who are not audiologists;
and three audiologists who are certified hearing instrument dispensers, are
licensed as audiologists under Minnesota
Statutes 148.511 et seq. Meetings are held quarterly, with additional meetings
scheduled as necessary. Meetings are held at the Minnesota Department of Health,
Snelling Office Park for two hours. The council does not expire. Appointing
Authority: Commissioner of Health. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses.
Minnesota Statutes 153A.20. Minnesota Dept. of Health, Compliance Monitoring Division, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882.
(651) 201-3724.
Newborn Hearing Screening Advisory Committee
This committee was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2007. Its membership, functions, and objectives are described in Minnesota Statute section 144.966.
This committee is intended to function in an advisory capacity to the Minnesota Department of Health program managers in newborn screening and the Minnesota children with special health needs (MCSHN) subject areas and, ultimately, to the Commissioner of Health. They are "to advise and assist the Department of Health and the Department of Education in developing protocols and timelines for screening, rescreening, and diagnostic audiological assessment and early medical, audiological, and educational intervention services for children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing."
Newborn Screening Advisory Committee
The committee provides advice and recommendations to the Commissioner of Health
concerning tests and treatments for heritable and congenital disorders found
in newborn children. Membership includes (but is not limited to) at least one
member of the following representative groups: parents and other consumers;
primary care providers; clinicians and researchers specializing in newborn diseases
and disorders; genetic counselors; birth hospital representatives; newborn screening
laboratory professionals; nutritionists; and other experts as needed representing
related fields such as emerging technologies and health insurance. Compensation:
Expenses. Minnesota Statutes 144.1255. Minnesota Department of Health. Public
Health Laboratory Division, P.O. Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164-0975.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Agreement State Rule Advisory Group
To provide opinions and feedback on the EH Division's rulemaking related to
becoming a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) agreement state. M.S. 1441202,
subd.2.
Occupational Therapy Practitioner
License Advisory Council
To advise the Commissioner regarding license standards for occupational therapists
and occupational therapy assistants, provide technical expertise to the Commissioner
regarding occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant practice
standards and assist with development of health policies related to occupational
therapy practitioner license. The seven members include two public members as
defined by Minnesota Statutes 214.02, and shall be either persons who have received
occupational therapy services or family members of or caregivers to such persons;
two occupational therapists licensed under Minnesota Statutes 148.6401 et seq.;
two occupational therapy assistants licensed under Minnesota Statutes 148.6401
et seq.; and one member who is a licensed health care practitioner, or other
credentialed practitioner, who works collaboratively with occupational therapy
practitioners. Meetings are held quarterly, with additional meetings scheduled
as necessary. Meetings are held at the Minnesota Department of Health, Snelling
Office Park for two hours. The council does not expire. Appointing Authority:
Commissioner of Health. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. Minnesota
Statutes 148.6450. Minnesota Department of Health, Compliance Monitoring Division, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882.
(651) 201-3725.
Rural Health Advisory Committee
The committee advises the Commissioner of Health and other state agencies on
rural health issues. The committee consists of 15 members, and all members must
reside outside the seven-county metropolitan area. Membership must include two
members from the Minnesota House of Representatives, one from the minority party
and one from the majority party; two members from the Minnesota Senate, one
from the minority party and one from the majority party; a volunteer member
of an ambulance service based outside the seven-county metropolitan area; a
representative of a hospital located outside the seven-county metropolitan area;
a representative of a nursing home located outside the seven-county metropolitan
area; a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy licensed under Chapter 147; a
mid-level practitioner; a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; a licensed
health care professional from an occupation not otherwise represented on the
committee; a representative of an institution of higher education located outside
the seven-county metropolitan area that provides training for rural health care
providers; and three consumers, at least one of whom must be an advocate for
persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled. In making appointments
the Governor shall ensure that appointments provide geographic balance among
those areas of the state outside the seven-county metropolitan area. The chair
of the committee shall be elected by the members. Does not expire. Appointing
Authority: Governor. Compensation: Expenses. Minnesota
Statutes, 144.1481. Laws of 1992, Chapter 549, Article 5, Section 7. Minnesota
Department of Health, Division of Health Policy, PO Box 64882, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0882. (651) 201-3856.
Speech-Language Pathologist
and Audiologist Advisory Council
The council advises the commissioner of health on matters relating to the licensing
and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists including to
provide technical expertise to the Commissioner regarding speech-language pathologists
and audiologists practice standards and assist with development of health policies
related to speech-language pathologists and audiologists licensing. The seven
members include two public members as defined by Minnesota
Statutes 214.02, and shall be either persons who have received speech-language
pathology and/or audiology services or family members of or caregivers to such
persons; two speech language pathologists licensed under Minnesota
Statutes 148.511 et seq.; two audiologists licensed under Minnesota
Statutes 148.511 et seq.; and one member who is a speech language pathologist
licensed by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and is employed by a Minnesota public
school district. Meetings are held quarterly, with additional meetings scheduled
as necessary. Meetings are held at the Minnesota Department of Health, Snelling
Office Park for two hours. The council does not expire. Appointing Authority:
Commissioner of Health. Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses. Minnesota
Statutes 148.5196. Minnesota Department of Health, Compliance Monitoring Division, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882.
(651) 201-3730.
State Community Health Services
Advisory Committee (SCHSAC)
The committee advises, consults with and makes recommendations to the commissioner of health on matters relating to the development, funding, and evaluation of community health services in Minnesota. The committee has 53 voting members, representing 53 community health boards statewide. The SCHSAC provides the foundation for the state-local public health partnership in Minnesota. Appointing Authority: Community Health Boards.
Compensation: Expenses. Minnesota Statutes 145A.10, Subd. 10. Minnesota Department
of Health, Community and Family Health Division, PO Box 64882, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0882.
State Trauma Advisory Council (STAC)
The State Trauma Advisory Council was established by legislation to advise, consult with and make recommendations to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health regarding the development, maintenance and improvement of a statewide trauma system.
Water Supply Systems and Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Advisory Council
The council advises the commissioners of the Department of Health and
the Pollution Control Agency regarding classification of water supply systems
and wastewater treatment facilities, qualifications and competency evaluation
of water supply system operators and wastewater treatment facility operators,
and additional laws, rules and procedures that may be desirable for regulating
the operation of water supply systems and of wastewater treatment facilities.
The council consists of 11 members including one member from the Department
of Health, Division of Environmental Health, appointed by the Commissioner of
Health; one member from the Pollution Control Agency; appointed by the Commissioner
of Pollution Control Agency; three members who must be certified water supply
system operators, appointed by the Commissioner of Health; three members who
must be certified wastewater treatment facility operators, appointed by the
Commissioner of Pollution Control Agency; one member representing an organization
that represents municipalities, appointed by the Commissioner of Health with
the concurrence of the Commissioner of Pollution Control Agency; and two members
of the public who are not associated with water supply systems or wastewater
treatment facilities. One of the members of the public shall be a representative
of academia in a water or wastewater related field. One must be appointed by
the Commissioner of Health and the other by the Commissioner of Pollution Control
Agency. One of the water supply system operators and one of the wastewater treatment
facility operators must be from outside the metro area, and one wastewater operator
must come from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. One of the water
supply system operators must representative a nonmunicipal community or nontransient
noncommunity water supply system. The council meets quarterly for four hours
in St. Cloud (central location). Does not expire. Appointing Authority: Commissioners
of the Department of Health and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Compensation:
$55 per diem. Minnesota
Statutes Section 115.71-115.77.
WOLF-Work Out Low Fat (American Indian Diabetes Prevention Advisory
Task Force)
To advise the Commissioner on the adaptation of curricula and the dissemination
of information designed to reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes
among American Indian school children in grades 1 through 4. The curricula and
information must be sensitive to traditional American Indian values and culture
and must encourage full participation by the American Indian community. Task
Force members are planning reservation and statewide distribution of WOLF curricula
and other diabetes prevention activities for students in one through fourth
grade and their family members. Compensation: None. Minnesota Session Law 1997,
Ch. 2,3, Article 1, subd 3.
CURRENTLY FUNCTIONING UNDER MDH DISCRETION:
A. Commissioner Discretion
Healthy Minnesota 2020
The Healthy Minnesota 2020 Partnership (HM2020) was formed in November 2010, and works with the Commissioner of Health to establish statewide public health priorities and goals to improve the health of all Minnesotans. The Partnership currently consists of 25 members representing a wide range of interests and concerns, including local public health, the business community, health care providers, populations of color and American Indians, rural health, and other segments of Minnesota.
Long Term Care Issues Committee
The Long Term Care Issues Committee was formed in August 2003 to address concerns related to long-term care regulations, the survey process and other issues affecting the long-term care industry. Membership and meeting information may be found on the committee's Web site.
B. Division Discretion
B1. Previous Link with Statutory Authority
Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force
The task force meets to review and report on the health status and health care needs of mothers and children throughout the state of Minnesota. The fifteen members should provide equal representation from professions with expertise in maternal and child health services, representatives of local community health boards as defined in Minnesota Statutes 145A.02, subdivision 5, and consumer representatives interested in the health of mothers and children. Meetings are mandated to be held four times per year, the group meets more often as needed for five hours at 1645 Energy Park Dr., St. Paul.
Medical Education and Research Costs (MERC) Advisory Committee
The MERC Committee was established in 1993 by the Minnesota Legislature to examine the financing of medical education and research in Minnesota's changing health care market. The committee has provided essential support to the Department of Health, both through legislative recommendations and analysis of pertinent issues.
B2. Grant Alignment/Grant Requirement
Minnesota Arthritis Coordinating Council
Advise the MDH Arthritis Program and its partner the Arthritis Foundation of
Minnesota as they develop and implement strategies to prevent and control arthritis
in Minnesota.
Minnesota Asthma Advisory Work Group
Guide, advise, and participate in the strategic planning process to develop the 5-year “Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in Minnesota.” It receives input from 5 working groups -- Data and Surveillance, Environment, Health Professionals, Community and Self-Management, and Work-Related Asthma – in order to develop objectives and strategies to prevent and control asthma in Minnesota.
Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System Advisory Group
As required by the CDC, advise the MCSS in setting priorities, promoting data use, increasing efficiency
and quality of operations, increasing collaboration with partners, and extending
cancer registry data to cancer control and public health.
Minnesota Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Steering Committee
To plan, develop, promote, and monitor implementation of the Minnesota Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Plan 2011-2020.
Minnesota Diabetes Steering Committee
To plan, develop, actively promote and monitor implementation of the Minnesota
Diabetes Plan and provide advice and assistance to the Minnesota Diabetes Program
(MDP) and to other organizations and programs implementing the State Plan.
Minnesota Diabetes Surveillance and Data Review Subcommittee
Advise the Minnesota Diabetes Program (MDP) on surveillance activities and on
specific MDP projects.
Minnesota Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Program Advisory Workgroup
Advise the MDH Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Program on the collection, dissemination, and utilization of occupational health indicators and other occupational surveillance activities as defined in our NIOSH cooperative agreement.
Oral Health Evaluation Plan Advisory Committee
The Oral Health Program engages evaluation experts as a part of an Evaluation Advisory Committee to make recommendations for effective and thorough evaluation of program initiatives and activities, including development of the five year comprehensive evaluation plan.
Minnesota Oral Health Surveillance Advisory Group
The Minnesota Oral Health Advisory Group (MOHSAG) brings together the data “users,” who are eager for data that can inform policy and programmatic activity, and the data “source” people who have the data and can put it where it is accessible.
Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Advisory Committee
To advise the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care on the development, implementation,
and evaluation of Minnesota's Rural Hospital Flexibility Program. The RHFP creates
Critical Access Hospitals, and requires that each state use the development
of Critical Access Hospitals as an opportunity to enhance their rural emergency
medical services and rural health care networks.
State Preventive Health Advisory Committee
To provide input into Minnesota’s application for Federal Preventive Block Grant funds, as required by federal law.
WIC Advisory Group
To advise MDH on Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) issues.
B3. Division/Program/Other Discretion
Administrative Uniformity Committee (AUC)
The AUC is a large, voluntary, multi-stakeholder advisory organization comprised of health care providers, payers, associations, and state agencies. It’s primary focus is to develop agreement among Minnesota payers and providers on standardized health care administrative processes when implementation of the processes will reduce administrative costs. The Commissioner of Health is required to consult with the AUC on the development of rules for single, uniform companion guides for specified health care administrative transactions under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.536.
Birth Defects Work Group
To advise on the priorities for birth defects data collection and case definitions, case ascertainment, services and prevention activities, data interpretation, policy and procedures for implementation and evaluation, data dissemination, and linkage to services, as well as to review forms for abstracting and cases as needed.
Environmental Laboratory Certification Program Advisory Committee
To provide advice to MDH on changes to statutes and rules related to the environmental
laboratory certification program.
Food Safety Partnership of Minnesota
A consortium of environmental health professionals, industry partners, and other stakeholders working together to protect the public health in the area of food safety. The goal of the Food Safety Partnership is to create a unified program for food safety in the State of Minnesota.
Minnesota Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (MIPAC)
Advise the commissioner of health and assist the Minnesota Department of Health in reducing and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases across the lifespan through a comprehensive statewide immunization program.
Metro Refugee Health Task
Force
Since the early 1980s, the Metro Refugee Health Task Force has brought together Twin Cities metropolitan area health professionals, social service workers, students, community members and others interested in refugee health issues. At monthly meetings, presentations by various individuals working in the field of refugee and immigrant health serve as a catalyst for group dialogue and networking. Meetings are scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month, September through June.
Minnesota Collaborative Lead Education and Assessment Network (M-CLEAN)
Newborn Screening Advisory Council
To advise the MDH Public Health Laboratory on how to maintain and improve the
quality and scope of the Newborn Screening program.
Office of Minority and Multicultural Health Advisory Committee
The Office of Minority and Multicultural Health (OMMH) Advisory Committee provides a forum for discussion and advice to the Commissioner of Health focused on improving the health status of populations of color and American Indians in the state of Minnesota. It serves the purpose of the OMMH, which provides leadership within the Minnesota Department of Health to strengthen the health and wellness of Minnesota’s communities by engaging populations of color and American Indians in actions essential to eliminate health disparities. The OMMH Advisory Committee also provides support for the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative as defined in Minnesota Statutes 145.928.
Speech-Hearing Work Group
To provide a forum for Speech-language Pathologists, Audiologists, Hearing Instrument
Dispensers and consumers of their services to identify and discuss conflicting
viewpoints and issues about occupational scopes of practice, consumer information,
dual regulation, regulatory costs and fees, complaint investigation, enforcement
procedures and disciplinary outcomes, all for the purpose of creating a single
regulatory scheme for three related, but distinct, occupations.
Tribal Health Directors
To provide a forum for discussion and advice to the MDH and the Department of
Human Services related to addressing disparities in health status among American
Indians through tribal health services.
Tuberculosis Advisory Committee
The mission of the MDH TB Advisory Committee is to prevent and control tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease in Minnesota by providing statewide leadership planning, implementing and evaluating TB prevention and control activities; communicating and disseminating information about TB; developing a TB elimination plan; and advocating for TB prevention and control activities in Minnesota. This is accomplished through working collaboratively with individuals and agencies throughout the state that have an investment in TB, drawing on expertise and diversity of our colleagues. The committee was established in 1999 and consists of approximately 30 members (not including MDH staff). Meetings are held two or three times per year.
