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Health Policy & Advocacy

Health Policy & Advocacy

The Center for Healthcare Innovation and Policy at NWHSU

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Health Policy & Advocacy

The Center for Healthcare Innovation and Policy (CHIP) informs and influences patient-centered, evidence-informed public policy on behalf of complementary and integrative healthcare providers and patients.

As the central health policy & advocacy hub of the NWHSU, CHIP:

Creates and shares new ideas on trends in the healthcare marketplace
Disseminates information to health professionals, policymakers, healthcare organizations, and Northwestern Health Sciences University’s campus community
Informs state and national legislation related to complementary and integrative health care
Develops innovative and strategic relationships with others in the healthcare community
Communicates health policy statements on behalf of the University
Represents the University at regional and national health policy forums
Participates in lobbying efforts at the Minnesota state capitol and in Washington, D.C.
Hosts informational community forums on health care issues

CHIP also works collaboratively across the university to prepare Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates for the new opportunities and responsibilities that are emerging as a result of healthcare reform.

Northwestern Health Sciences University Defines the Future of Integrative Care, Calls on Healthcare Industry to Prioritize Health Creation

Northwestern Health Sciences University Defines the Future of Integrative Care, Calls on Healthcare Industry to Prioritize Health Creation

Integrative, patient-centric approach to care creates resilience and health for individuals, communities, and the healthcare system BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – August 16, 2022 – Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU), the evidence-based integrative health institution in Bloomington, Minnesota, releases its integrative care position paper, “Integrative Care: Creating

Northwestern Health Sciences University Defines the Future of Integrative Care, Calls on Healthcare Industry to Prioritize Health Creation

NWHSU Students Take Part in MCA Day at the Capitol

NWHSU students joined the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) for the 2023 Day at the Capitol. Doctors from across the metro area met to present three

Northwestern Health Sciences University Defines the Future of Integrative Care, Calls on Healthcare Industry to Prioritize Health Creation

Coordinated Care in Health Systems

It’s Time to Make it the Norm Chronic pain is a massive problem in the United States, affecting one in five adults. Given the scale,

Northwestern Health Sciences University Defines the Future of Integrative Care, Calls on Healthcare Industry to Prioritize Health Creation

Dr. Jeffrey Advocates for H.R. 4803 in Acupuncture Today

Greta Hysjulien Jeffrey, DAc, LAc ’13 wrote about the future of acupuncture and the Acupuncture for our Seniors Bill (H.R. 4803) in the October issue

Closing Conservative Care Coverage Gaps In Medicare And Medicaid (June 2022) 22

Closing Conservative Care Coverage Gaps in Medicare and Medicaid

Integrative Care Creating A Healthier, More Sustainable System (March 2022) Paper

Integrative Care: Creating a Healthier, More Sustainable System

Opioids, Chronic Pain, And The COVID 19 Pandemic (August 2021) 22

Opioids, Chronic Pain, and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD
Executive Director, Research and Innovation

Chuck Sawyer, DC
Senior Government Affairs Liaison

Andrea Albertson, DC
Research and Policy Associate

Partners and Collaborations

Advocacy is a team sport. NWHSU is proud to have relationships with:

MN Fair Care

Under the leadership of Dr. Michele Maiers, Executive Director of Research and Innovation, CHIP spearheaded Minnesota Fair Care — a coalition of patient and provider advocates and organizations supporting choice, access, and equitable insurance reimbursement.

The Minnesota Fair Care Coalition has introduced legislation in the Minnesota House and Senate titled the “Patient Rights and Provider Nondiscrimination Act.” Click here for more information about the issues and barriers MN Fair Care works to address on behalf of patients and providers in Minnesota. For more information, contact Dr. Michele Maiers at mmaiers@nwhealth.edu

NWHSU lobbying for the chiropractic profession

The work of NWHSU is to prepare students to lead in the future of healthcare. CHIP plays a vital role in both advocating for that future and preparing graduates for the new opportunities and responsibilities that are emerging as a result of healthcare reform.

We prepare our students for professional engagement, informing them about healthcare trends and accompanying them at advocacy events with local and national policy makers. Students have the opportunity to engage in grassroots advocacy, as well as meet face-to-face with lawmakers.

Our approach to advocacy doesn’t focus solely on one profession or population, but instead takes a collaborative approach toward advancing integrative care with a range of partners.

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