Advocacy: My Statement for another term on the Minnesota Psychiatric Society Council

Advocacy: My Statement for another term on the Minnesota Psychiatric Society Council

My Statement for another term on the Minnesota Psychiatric Society Council

Marie Olseth, MD

Having served on the MPS Council this past year, I have had the honor of advocating for psychiatrists and psychiatric patients.

I take the role seriously and I am not afraid to speak up and challenge the status quo.  My role as an MPS Council member is enhanced by other healthcare advocacy that I am actively involved in.

I regularly attend meetings of another physician lobbying group which involves regular meetings with State Representatives and State Senators.

For example, I am writing this statement after just meeting with State Senator Dr. Scott Jensen and State Representative Glenn Gruenhagen to discuss a Senate bill promoting transparency in healthcare pricing.  We also reviewed possible legislation to make illegal the use of Clawbacks and Gag Clauses by Pharmacy Benefit Management Groups. These practices prevent consumers from knowing the true cost of generic alternatives when visiting their pharmacy which is why I support a bill being authored to make these practices illegal.

I also volunteered to represent Minnesota at a recent APA Assembly meeting in Washington DC.  I regularly attend the MPS policy committee meetings to provide input on needed policy work for the Minnesota Mental Health Community.  My various areas of involvement all enhance my work as a Council Member of the Minnesota Psychiatric Society.  I would be honored to serve another term as an MPS Council person.

Medical Disclaimer:

Please remember that all medical information provided in this post must be considered educational only.  This blog should not be relied upon as a medical judgement and does not replace a medical professional’s judgement about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or condition for a given patient.  We will do our best to provide you with information that may help you make your own health care decisions. Please do not follow any instructions or information without first consulting with your physician or mental health provider.