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HF 4839

Commissioner of health directed to join World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Bahner and 33 co-sponsors

The bill directs Minnesota to join the WHO GOARN network to enhance international outbreak surveillance and collaborative response.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Health Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4839

Summary: HF 4839 — Commissioner of Health Directed to Join World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)

Jurisdiction: Minnesota
Session: 2025-2026
Introduced: 2026-04-07 (First Reading; referred to Health Finance and Policy)
Sponsor: Multiple (co-sponsors listed)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill directs the Minnesota Commissioner of Health to join the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
  • GOARN is an international collaboration that coordinates technical expertise and information sharing to detect, assess, and respond to outbreaks and public health emergencies.
  • The core aim is to enhance Minnesota’s participation in global health surveillance, rapid information exchange, and collaborative outbreak response efforts.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Mandate to Join GOARN:
    • The Commissioner of Health would be required to join GOARN as a participant or partner, subject to any statutory or regulatory prerequisites.
  • Roles and Responsibilities:
    • The bill would authorize or direct state public health authorities to engage with GOARN partners, share relevant epidemiological data, and support GOARN-led outbreak investigations and response activities as appropriate.
  • Data Sharing and Privacy:
    • While not detailed in the summary, participation typically involves information sharing with international partners. The bill would likely establish or reference standards for data handling, privacy, and security consistent with Minnesota law.
  • Coordination with State Agencies:
    • Requires alignment with Minnesota Department of Health operations and existing state emergency preparedness and response frameworks.
  • Legislative and Fiscal Oversight:
    • The bill would likely authorize reporting requirements to the Legislature on GOARN activities, benefits, and any costs incurred, along with potential budget implications for staffing, training, and international coordination.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • State Government:
    • Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Commissioner of Health would assume a GOARN affiliation and participate in international outbreak surveillance and response activities.
  • Public Health Infrastructure:
    • Enhanced collaboration with global health networks could influence domestic outbreak detection, information sharing, and cross-border cooperative responses.
  • Privacy and Data Management:
    • Any data exchanged with GOARN partners would be governed by Minnesota privacy laws and applicable data-sharing agreements.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading:
    • Date: 2026-04-07
    • Action: Referred to Health Finance and Policy committee (to consider fiscal and policy implications).
  • Next Steps:
    • Committee discussion and potential amendments.
    • If advanced, floor action in the Minnesota House and, subsequently, Senate consideration (as applicable for the 2025-2026 session).
    • Possible state budget or policy implementation timelines to align with GOARN joining procedures, training, and any required MOUs.

5) Additional Notes

  • The bill’s sponsor slate is broad, signaling cross-file support from many members, which may reflect a consensus on strengthening public health surveillance through international cooperation.
  • Specifics such as funding, exact data-sharing protocols, and performance metrics would be clarified in committee amendments or implementing administrative rules if the bill advances.

If you’d like, I can attach a draft section-by-section outline highlighting potential fiscal notes, data privacy considerations, or compare this bill to existing Minnesota statutes governing participation in international health networks.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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