skip to content
Primary navigation

Program Committee Structure Overview

Minn. Stat. 214.32, Subd. 1(a) states: A Health Professionals Services Program Committee is established, consisting of one person appointed by each participating board, with each participating board having one vote. The committee shall designate one board to provide administrative management of the program, set the program budget and the pro rata share of program expenses to be borne by each participating board, provide guidance on the general operation of the program, including hiring of program personnel, and ensure that the program's direction is in accord with its authority.

The Program Committees goals are to ensure that the public is protected, participants are treated with respect, the program is well-managed, financially secure and operating consistently within the statute.

The Program Committees meets quarterly.

Program Committee Members

NAME REPRESENTS STATUS
Bharati Acharya  Behavior Health and Therapy  Member
Mary Noble Chiropractic Examiners Chair
Samuel Ankrah
Dentistry Member
Susan Estes Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Member
Amber Lage Office of EMS Member
Karoline Pierson Occupational Therapy Member
Steve Jobe Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports Executive Director
Robert Dehler/Daphne Ponds Department of Health Staff
Jennifer Mohlenhoff Marriage and Family Therapy Executive Director
Averi M. Turner Medical Practice Member
Tracy Sonterre-Rieger Nursing Member
Britt Heglund Optometry Executive Director 
James Bialke Pharmacy Member
Kathy Polhamus
Physical Therapy Member

Podiatric Medicine Member
Michael Thompson Psychology Member
Linda Gustafson Social Work  Member
Jody Grote
Veterinary Medicine
Vice Chair

Program Committee Meetings and Minutes


Upcoming Program Committee Meetings

If you are interested in attending the upcoming Program Committee meeting, please email hlbhpsp@state.mn.us and enter ATTEND PC MEETING as the subject and ask for additional information about how to attend.  Thank you for your interest in HPSP!

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Program Committee Minutes
February 2025 Minutes + PowerPoint + FAQ HPSP Flyer
November 2024
August 2024 + PowerPoint
back to top