Category: Member News

MHA Monday Report June 29, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Urges Members to Contact Lawmakers to Oppose Hospital Review Board Legislation

The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2025-26 program year June 24 during the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting began with a presentation by board member Beth Charlton, President & …

House Government Operations Hears Testimony on Review Board Bills

Michigan hospitals urged lawmakers to reject House Bills (HBs) 6116-6119 during testimony before the House Government Operations Committee June 25, warning the legislation would worsen healthcare affordability challenges and jeopardize access to care across the …

Medical Debt Bills Advance, House Hears Behavioral Health Testimony

Several healthcare-related bills advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of June 22, including legislation addressing medical debt collections and behavioral health screenings. The Michigan House voted in support of HBs 5254–5255 …

Health & Hospital Association Elects 2026-2027 Officers and Board Members

Members of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association elected new officers and appointed board members during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 24. Officers of the 2026-2027 MHA Board of Trustees include Brittany Lavis, …

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Continues Longtime Investment in Safety & Quality of Healthcare

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is continuing its longstanding funding relationship with the MHA Keystone Center with a $1 million contribution that will directly support the MHA Keystone Center’s …

Hospital Executives Recognized for Exemplary Leadership

The MHA announced the winners of its 2026 Healthcare Leadership Award June 25 during its Annual Membership Meeting. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided remarkable leadership to healthcare organizations and to the …

Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs

The MHA announced the winners of its 2026 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 25. The honorees include programs supported by Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw; McKenzie Health System, Sandusky; and Munson Medical Center, Traverse City. …

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Rick Pollack

The MHA announced Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, as the recipient of the 2026 MHA Meritorious Service Award. As the highest honor presented by the MHA, the award celebrates individuals whose leadership and lifetime contributions …

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

The MHA announced three winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 25, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. …

Michigan Hospital Leaders Discuss Key Healthcare Issues at Mackinac Policy Conference

Healthcare leaders from across the state joined Rich Helppie, host of The Common Bridge Podcast, May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss key healthcare issues impacting Michigan hospitals and the communities they serve. …

Council Explores AI, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety to Advance Community Health

The MHA Council on Health Access and Community Impact held its final meeting of the program year June 4 to examine emerging opportunities and challenges shaping healthcare delivery and advancing community health. The meeting opened …

Michigan Hospitals, Always caring, always advancing.

The Keckley Report

States, Employers and Physicians want Reforms Hospitals, Drug Companies and Insurers Oppose

“That’s life! It’s not simple. It’s not predictable. It can be frustrating. And it changes fast. That’s never been more true in U.S. healthcare. On three fronts, changes are being made to address urgent needs and bring a measure of order to chaos…

States are advancing legislation to control health costs, constrain private equity ownership, limit hospital CEO compensation, impose drug price controls and challenge consolidation. They’re not waiting on DC for solutions: states are now ground zero for health system reform.

Healthcare’s future is uncertain because life is coming at it fast. And it’s unprepared.”

Paul Keckley, June 22, 2026

News to Know

  • The MHA and Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the webinar, “Maximizing Every Dollar: Using AI and Data to Strategically Plan Your Workforce and Eliminate Administrative Barriers” from 11 a.m. to noon ET July 15.
  • MHA offices will close at noon July 2 and be closed July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
  • Due to the Independence Day holiday weekend, MHA Monday Report will not be published July 6. MHA Monday Report will then follow a biweekly publication schedule in July, with issues publishing July 13 and July 27. Member alerts and MHA Newsroom articles will continue to be published as needed to keep members informed of important news and advocacy updates.
  • A refreshed MHA.org will launch July 14, featuring an improved navigation and enhanced user experience to help members more easily access advocacy updates, news, events and resources.

MHA in the News

The MHA garnered significant media coverage following the introduction of HB 6116-6119 June 18. Immediately after the bills were introduced, the MHA issued a statement that was included in coverage from multiple outlets, including …

 

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

Member News, News Releases

The MHA announced three winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 25, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The award recipients are Marita Hattem-Schiffman, retired president, MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma, Clare and Mt. Pleasant; Dr. Lydia Watson, president and chief executive officer, MyMichigan Health; and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Marita Hattem-Schiffman, retired president, MyMichigan Medical Centers

Hattem-Schiffman led MyMichigan Medical Centers in Alma, Clare and Mt. Pleasant to achieve system-leading results in quality and safety, patient experience and community involvement, while maintaining a strong focus on performance and sustainability in a challenging rural healthcare environment. Her leadership also included significant investments in facilities and services, including expanded surgical capacity, updated diagnostic technology and enhancements to maternity and cardiac care, strengthening access to care across the region.

She also contributed to healthcare across the state through her active involvement with the MHA, serving on several boards and councils, including the Healthcare and Public Health Integration Council, the MHA Service Corporation and the Small and Rural Hospital Council.

Dr. Lydia Watson, president and chief executive officer, MyMichigan Health

Dr. Watson is recognized for nearly three decades of leadership advancing patient safety, quality and compassionate care. An obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Watson has been a strong advocate for access to care in rural communities, bringing a clinical perspective to system leadership and decision-making.

Throughout her tenure, she fostered a culture grounded in safety and open communication, encouraging staff to raise concerns and contribute to improvements in care. Dr. Watson also played a key role in strengthening and expanding services across the health system, and championed initiatives focused on the well-being of physicians and staff.

Most recently, Dr. Watson she supported a landmark collaboration between MyMichigan Health, Central Michigan University and Covenant HealthCare to transition CMU’s College of Medicine to MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw—strengthening medical education and enhancing health care access across the Great Lakes Bay Region. She served on the MHA Board of Trustees, chaired its Physicians in Healthcare Leadership Council and spearheaded the association’s Maternal Operations & Finance Task Force. Dr. Watson is set to retire July 5, 2026.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during the 2026 MHA Annual Membership Meeting.

Gov. Whitmer has been a longstanding healthcare champion, advocating for more affordable and accessible care for Michiganders. Prior to serving as governor, she built a record of healthcare leadership in the Michigan Legislature, where she championed policies to expand coverage and protect access to care. Throughout her career, she has worked to expand healthcare coverage, lower prescription drug costs and protect critical healthcare funding, while improving health outcomes statewide. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped guide Michigan’s healthcare system through unprecedented challenges and informed long-term investments to strengthen care delivery.

Whitmer has supported major initiatives that broaden access and strengthen the healthcare system, including protecting and expanding the Healthy Michigan Plan, which provides coverage to more than one million residents. She has also made significant investments in the healthcare workforce, supporting more than $100 million in funding to recruit, train and retain healthcare professionals and address staffing shortages across the state.

 

 

Hospital Executives Recognized for Exemplary Leadership

Member News, News Releases

The MHA announced the winners of its 2026 Healthcare Leadership Award June 25 during its Annual Membership Meeting. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided remarkable leadership to healthcare organizations and to the health and well-being of the community.

The 2026 recipients are Shawn Ulreich, senior vice president of clinical operations and chief nurse executive, Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids; and Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare, Kalamazoo. The MHA will donate $1,000 on behalf of each award winner to the charity of their choice. These funds were provided to the MHA by the family of former MHA President H. Allen Barth.

Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare, Kalamazoo

Manns joined Bronson Healthcare in 2020 and has guided the organization through significant disruption, including the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce challenges and financial pressures. His leadership has strengthened Bronson’s long-term sustainability, expanded access to care and advanced growth across key service lines in Southwest Michigan.

He has led a focused effort to improve operations and care delivery, including expanding ambulatory access and investing in digital tools such as AI-enabled documentation, ambient listening and workflow automation. These efforts have reduced administrative burden, improved efficiency and allowed care teams to spend more time with patients, while also enhancing access through tools that connect patients to earlier appointments.

Manns also strengthened collaboration across the organization by establishing a formal partnership between administration and medical staff, expanding shared governance and increasing physician involvement in strategic and operational decision-making. In addition, he has championed initiatives that extend beyond the health system, supporting partnerships that address socioeconomic issues like food insecurity and reduce barriers to care.

Manns also served as chair of the MHA Board of Trustees for the 2025–26 program year, providing leadership and strategic direction for hospitals and health systems across the state.

At Mann’s request, the $1,000 monetary portion of the award will go to the Fatherhood Network in Kalamazoo.

Shawn Ulreich, senior vice president of clinical operations and chief nurse executive, Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids

Ulreich serves as the chief nurse executive for Corewell Health West.  In her 22 year tenure in the organization, she has provided executive leadership for multiple clinical departments including pharmacy, laboratory services and surgical services.  Her leadership experience focuses on aligning clinical excellence with operational performance to support safe, coordinated, high-quality care.

A hallmark of Ulreich’s career has been her leadership in advancing Magnet Recognition as a framework for nursing excellence. Under her guidance, Corewell Health Grand Rapids achieved Magnet designation four times, reflecting sustained excellence in professional nursing practice, patient outcomes and organizational performance. Ulreich also spearheaded the development of systemwide nursing governance structures, workforce strategy initiatives and leadership development, fostering alignment between clinical nurses and organizational leaders.

Ulreich’s leadership extends across both clinical and operational domains, including care model design, workflow improvement and the implementation of new technologies. She has supported the adoption of approaches including ambient and AI-supported documentation, virtual nursing and hospitality-based care models, helping streamline workflows and enhance how care is delivered while building a stronger, more sustainable nursing practice environment.

Ulreich has requested for her monetary award to go to Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan’s Nursing Career Center.

The MHA congratulates the winners of the 2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Award.

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Rick Pollack

Member News, News Releases
Rick Pollack, president and CEO, AHA

The MHA announced Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA), as the recipient of the 2026 MHA Meritorious Service Award. As the highest honor presented by the MHA, the award celebrates individuals whose leadership and lifetime contributions have advanced healthcare.

Pollack is being recognized for more than four decades of service advancing hospitals and improving care delivery nationwide. A 43-year veteran of the AHA, Pollack has served as president and CEO for more than a decade and will retire at the end of 2026.

Under his leadership, the AHA became one of the nation’s most influential and effective advocacy organizations. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Pollack helped secure critical resources and regulatory flexibility to maintain access to care.

Throughout his tenure, Pollack championed efforts to expand access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce and advance quality and patient safety. He also led significant initiatives to strengthen hospital cybersecurity, collaborating with federal agencies to protect critical healthcare infrastructure from evolving threats.

Pollack joined the AHA in 1982 and has held significant leadership roles in public policy and advocacy, including more than 20 years as executive vice president before being named president and CEO. His work has helped shape national healthcare policy and improve coverage and care for millions of Americans.

In addition to his national leadership, Pollack has been a valued partner to state hospital associations, including the MHA, strengthening the AHA’s role as a key resource supporting their work at the state and local level.

Media Roundup: Protecting Healthcare Access & Improving Affordability

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA garnered significant media coverage following the introduction of House Bills 6116-6119 June 18. Immediately after the bills were introduced, the MHA issued a statement that was included in coverage from multiple outlets, including Crain’s Detroit Business, MLive, The Detroit News, Fierce Healthcare, Becker’s Hospital Review and others.

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, and Ben Frederick, associate vice president of advocacy & government relations, Memorial Healthcare, testified before the House Government Operations Committee June 25 in opposition to the legislation. Following the hearing, the MHA issued an additional statement outlining the access and workforce challenges the legislation would create if enacted

Several media organizations reported on the MHA’s testimony, including The Detroit News, Crain’s Detroit Business, MIRS and others.

MHA CEO Brian Peters co-authored a piece in Crain’s Detroit Business with Michigan Association of Health Plans CEO Dominick Pallone outlining policy solutions that address the healthcare affordability crisis without threatening access to care.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs

Member News, News Releases

The MHA announced the winners of its 2026 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 25. The honorees include programs supported by Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw; McKenzie Health System, Sandusky; and Munson Medical Center, Traverse City. The award is named in memory of Patric E. Ludwig, a former MHA president who championed investing in the community’s overall health. The award is presented to member organizations integrally involved in collaborative programs to improve the health and well-being of Michigan residents. Each winner will receive $5,000 from the MHA Health Foundation to reinvest in their programs.

Beth Charlton, BSN-RN, MSA, president and CEO, Covenant HealthCare

Covenant HealthCare’s Extraordinary Neighbors Program is a community development initiative focused on improving housing conditions in neighborhoods surrounding its Saginaw campus. The program addresses housing insecurity as a key social determinant of health in an area where many homes are more than 100 years old and residents often face high housing cost burdens.

Through partnerships with local organizations and state agencies, Covenant has supported the construction of new homes and renovation of existing properties, helping stabilize neighborhoods impacted by long-term disinvestment. The health system has also implemented innovative solutions such as direct down payment assistance for employees to promote housing affordability.

With a $2.5 million investment and a collaborative governance model that includes community residents, the program is advancing a long-term vision for neighborhood revitalization and improved health outcomes.

McKenzie Health System launched the Peace of Mind Clinic in 2024 to expand access to behavioral health services in rural Sanilac County, where residents previously had limited access to psychiatric care.

The clinic provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for patients of all ages, addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Since opening, it has served hundreds of patients from more than 40 rural communities, improving access to care close to home.

The program was developed through internal workforce investment and close coordination with community mental health partners to ensure services complemented existing resources. Early results include strong patient engagement and a reduction in hospital encounters for behavioral health conditions.

Munson Healthcare team

Munson Medical Center’s Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center provides a centralized, 24/7 resource for individuals experiencing mental health crises across northern Michigan.

The center offers crisis intervention, psychiatric urgent care, mobile response and connections to ongoing treatment, helping reduce reliance on emergency departments and improve coordination across the behavioral health continuum.

Developed through broad community collaboration, the program has already served individuals from across multiple counties, with most crises resolved on-site without requiring hospitalization. The initiative bolstered by the partnership between Munson Healthcare, Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority, Grand Traverse County, United Way of Northwest Michigan and the Northwest Community Health Innovation Region, represents a scalable model for integrated crisis care and improved access to behavioral health services.

To learn more about the MHA’s annual Ludwig Community Benefit Award, contact Erin Steward at the MHA.

 

 

Michigan Hospital Leaders Discuss Key Healthcare Issues at Mackinac Policy Conference

Member News

Healthcare leaders from across the state joined Rich Helppie, host of The Common Bridge Podcast, May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss key healthcare issues impacting Michigan hospitals and the communities they serve.

The latest round of published interviews include:

Conversation covered healthcare affordability, state and federal policy priorities, efforts to strengthen Michigan’s healthcare talent pipeline and more.

Full interviews are available across MiCare Champion Cast streaming platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud), with video available on the MHA’s YouTube channel.

The MHA will continue to publish Mackinac Policy Conference interviews as they are available. Members with questions may contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

News to Know – June 29, 2026

Member News

  • The MHA and Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) AMN Healthcare will host the webinar, “Maximizing Every Dollar: Using AI and Data to Strategically Plan Your Workforce and Eliminate Administrative Barriers” from 11 a.m. to noon ET July 15. The free webinar will explore how AI-driven insights and data strategies can strengthen workforce planning, improve decision-making and reduce administrative burden. Members are encouraged to register. Members may learn more on the AMN profile page or contact Ben Jones, regional vice president, AMN, for additional information. Members seeking information about the MHA’s EBP program may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • MHA offices will close at noon July 2 and be closed July 3 in observance of Independence Day. No formal meetings will be scheduled July 3.
  • Due to the Independence Day holiday weekend, MHA Monday Report will not be published July 6. MHA Monday Report will then follow a biweekly publication schedule in July, with issues publishing July 13 and July 27. Member alerts and MHA Newsroom articles will continue to be published as needed to keep members informed of important news and advocacy updates.
  • A refreshed MHA.org will launch July 14, featuring improved navigation and an enhanced user experience to help members more easily access advocacy updates, news, events and resources. Additional information will be shared ahead of the launch. Members with questions may contact the MHA.

 

Medical Debt Bills Advance, House Hears Behavioral Health Testimony

Member News

Several healthcare-related bills advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of June 22, including legislation addressing medical debt collections and behavioral health screenings.

The Michigan House voted in support of House Bills (HBs) 5254–5255 and 6071–6073, which would codify hospital financial assistance programs (FAPs), establish reporting requirements for FAP benefits and prohibit medical debt from being reported to credit bureaus. The legislation would also modify medical debt collection practices, including restrictions on the sale of medical debt and limits on interest charges. The bills have been referred to the Senate for further consideration. The MHA has not taken a position on this legislation.

The House Rules Committee took testimony on HB 6022, sponsored by Rep. Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington). This legislation amends the Mental Health Code to allow contracted Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) to operate pre-admission screening units to evaluate individuals needing mental or behavioral health services. Currently, pre-admission screening units may only be operated by Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). The bill requires CMHSPs to complete a pre-admission screening assessment for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental or behavioral health services within three hours. If the CMHSP or MHP does not complete the assessment within that timeframe, clinically qualified hospital personnel may complete the screening.

This provision was recommended by the MHA Behavioral Health Integration Council. The MHA developed an infographic for lawmakers that illustrates the challenges Medicaid beneficiaries face when presenting to emergency departments (EDs) during a behavioral health crisis. The legislation seeks to improve access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries while reducing ED boarding times. The MHA supports this legislation and looks forward to further action by the legislature.

The committee also advanced HB 4864, which would change the definition of elevated blood lead levels for lead abatement purposes. The bill seeks to prevent adverse health outcomes in children caused by lead poisoning.

The House Health Policy Committee also approved and referred HBs 5943–5944, sponsored by Reps. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) and Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). The bills would establish a licensure framework for behavioral health transportation services in Michigan and require Medicaid coverage for those services. HB 5943 has been referred to the House Rules Committee, while HB 5944 was referred to the full chamber. HBs 5728–5738, which would relieve hospitals of administratively burdensome and duplicative requirements for substance use disorder program licensure, were approved by the committee and referred to the House floor. Senate Bills (SB) 590 and 591 were also approved by the committee and moved to the House floor. The bills strengthen the state’s Good Samaritan Law to protect all individuals who act in good faith when applying bleeding control techniques in emergency situations. The MHA supports HBs 5943-5944, HBs 5728-5738 and SBs 590-591.

The House Health Policy Committee also advanced HB 5903, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar). The bill would provide psychiatric hospitals and inpatient psychiatric units with statutory authority to temporarily use a licensed inpatient psychiatric bed for either an adult or a minor. In doing so, the facility must remain compliant with safety, staffing and treatment requirements. This bill codifies operational flexibilities that help sites more effectively manage demand for psychiatric beds without triggering a certificate of need (CON) review. Although the committee adopted a substitute for the bill, the MHA continues to have concerns about provisions that would circumvent CON review and oversight.

The Michigan Senate voted unanimously in support of SB 1011, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). The bill would create a small-business health pool, allowing employers with 500 or fewer employees to establish state-regulated multiple-employer welfare arrangements that provide health coverage for eligible employees and self-employed individuals. The Michigan House also supported HBs 4703–4704, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy). These bills require insurers and Medicaid to cover group prenatal services. The MHA-backed bills now head to their respective chambers for further consideration.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Council Explores AI, Quality Improvement and Patient Safety to Advance Community Health

Member News

The MHA Council on Health Access and Community Impact held its final meeting of the program year June 4 to examine emerging opportunities and challenges shaping healthcare delivery and advancing community health.

The meeting opened with council member storyboards highlighting the realities of delivering care across large rural service areas. Members learned about strategies to expand care closer to home, strengthen community partnerships and address key community needs through initiatives focused on food access, behavioral health services and street medicine programs. The discussion reinforced the importance of regional collaboration and elevating rural health perspectives in statewide efforts.

The MHA advocacy team provided an update on state and federal policy developments. Discussions centered on healthcare affordability proposals, ongoing state budget negotiations, Medicaid funding uncertainty and the potential impacts of federal legislation on healthcare coverage and hospital financing. The council also received an operational update on the launch of the MHA Center of Rural Excellence, a new MHA entity designed to strengthen advocacy and coordination for Michigan’s rural hospitals. Members discussed opportunities to align council priorities with the Rural Health Transformation Program and support efforts that improve health outcomes in rural communities.

A featured presentation from MyMichigan Health explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), patient safety and improving care for all patients. Members learned how AI is being used to improve documentation, reduce administrative burden, strengthen patient communication and enhance quality reporting. The presentation emphasized that successful AI adoption requires strong governance, organizational readiness and ongoing evaluation to ensure technology improves care quality for all patient populations without introducing unintended bias.

The deep-dive discussion focused on the Quality Improvement Think Tank, one of three council-led workgroups focused on developing actionable frameworks, workflow strategies and implementation roadmaps to support scalable improvements in quality improvement, patient experience, community engagement and care integration. The group is advancing a framework and toolkit designed to better integrate quality and safety initiatives that improve patient outcomes. Early findings identified challenges related to data limitations, inconsistent processes and sustaining improvement efforts over time. The emerging framework emphasizes strengthening quality and safety through enhanced governance, accountability and the intentional use of data and lived experience to guide continuous improvement.

The meeting concluded with a roundtable discussion on using data dashboards to identify opportunities to improve health outcomes across patient populations. Members shared strategies for leveraging real-time and stratified data to identify trends and inform targeted interventions. Case examples and national best practices reinforced the importance of pairing data insights with action while acknowledging ongoing challenges related to data quality, standardization and workforce engagement.

As the council begins the new program year, it will continue identifying opportunities to strengthen strategies that improve health outcomes in the communities members serve.

Members with questions about the council’s work should contact Ewa Panetta at the MHA.