cover story one
The Minnesota CANDOR Act
Addressing adverse events
By Nels E. Dyste
On August 1, 2023, a transformative shift in health care communication took place as the Minnesota CANDOR Act (bill SF2909) came into effect. This legislation, inspired by similar efforts in other states, aims to revolutionize the way physicians and patients navigate the aftermath of adverse medical events (AMEs). With the increasing frequency of nuclear verdicts, Candor is a welcome new tool.
cover story two
Unveiling the Future: Artificial Intelligence in Spine Surgery
By Omar Ramos, MD
Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as the programming of computers to perform decision-making tasks with minimal or no human intervention, mimicking cognitive functions such as learning and problem solving. This technology is making waves across various industries, including health care. To some, AI appears as a promising technology that will help practitioners do a better, more efficient job. To others. AI looms as a scary computer overlord that will take away their jobs.
Pharmacy
RoundtableRX: Free medication for those in need
By Rachel Rockwell PharmD, RPh, MPH
A medication repository program (MRP) receives donations of unused and unexpired medications. Upon receipt the donated products are inspected for quality and safety before being redistributed to under-resourced patients within the repository’s community. In the United States, each state must pursue its own legislation to create an MRP. At the writing of this article, 40 states in the U.S. have passed legislation enabling an MRP to exist within their borders, and up to 27 of these states have an operational program on some level.
Interview
A New Approach to Care for Older Women
Kendell M. Cannon, MD, chief medical officer at Herself Health
Public Health
The Hennepin County SUD Dashboard: A data-driven response to the opioid crisis
By Tyler Winkelman, MD, and Julie Bauch MS, RN
Opioid and substance use continues to be a challenge for patients and families throughout the United States. In addition to its societal effects, opioid and substance use also results in substantial utilization of health care resources up to and including hospitalization.
