Group will consider the future of Minnesota’s public health care programs
(FERGUS FALLS, Minn.) – Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) CEO Larry Schulz has been named by Gov. Mark Dayton as one of his 11 appointees to a task force, which was created through legislation earlier this year to tackle questions about financing and operating the state’s health care programs including MNsure and MinnesotaCare.
As the most rural appointee to the board, Schulz says he looks forward to bringing the voice of rural patients and healthcare providers to the table. “I’m pleased to be asked to serve on the task force. I will work to ensure rural health care issues are heard and share some of the successes we have had in our community that could be a model for others in the future,” Schulz said.
Others appointed by the Governor include:
- Lynn Blewett – St. Paul, Director, University of Minnesota State Health Access Data Assistance Center
- Elizabeth Doyle – Minneapolis, Associate Director/Policy Director, TakeAction Minnesota
- Monica Hurtado, – Minneapolis, Health Equity/Racial Justice Organizer, Voices for Racial Justice
- Sheila Kiscaden – Rochester, Olmsted County Commissioner
- Sahra Noor – Roseville, CEO, People’s Center Health Services
- Dr. Marilyn Peitso – Sartell, Pediatrician, CentraCare Health
- Rosemarie Roach – St. Paul, Executive Director, Minnesota Nurses Association
- Jim Schowalter – Eagan, President and CEO, Minnesota Council of Health Plans
- Dr. Todd Stivland – Stillwater, CEO, Bluestone Physician Services
- Dr. Penny Wheeler – Minneapolis, President and CEO, Allina Health
In addition to the Governor’s appointees , the group will include Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, Health Commissioner Dr. Edward Ehlinger and Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. Also on the task force will be the MNsure executive officer, currently Allison O'Toole in an interim position, and legislative appointees. The 33-person task force is scheduled to begin meeting in August, and report its final recommendations to Dayton and lawmakers by Jan. 15.
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 80 medical staff and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
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