Category: Member News

The State of Healthcare Leadership: Risks, Reality and Readiness

Member News

MHA‑Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare and B.E. Smith recently released the Healthcare Leadership Trends for 2026 Report, based on a national survey of more than 700 healthcare executives across hospitals and health systems. The report examines the state of healthcare leadership, highlighting the risks, realities and readiness that will shape the year ahead.

Healthcare Organizations Are Navigating Growing Complexity and Uncertainty. 

While nearly three-quarters of healthcare leaders expect their organization’s performance in 2026 to remain stable or improve, confidence in the broader healthcare industry is declining. In fact, 52% of leaders anticipate a worse year ahead for the industry, driven by financial pressures, reimbursement uncertainty and workforce challenges.

Financial Pressures Are Reshaping Leadership Priorities. 

Despite revenue growth in 2025, rising labor and operating expenses continue to strain margins. Eighty‑four percent of executives cite financial pressures as their greatest threat in the coming year, while 72% say lowering operating costs is their most critical long‑term priority. These realities are forcing organizations to rethink leadership structures, recruiting strategies and succession planning.

Traditional Leadership Pipelines Are Under Strain. 

Attracting quality leadership talent remains a significant challenge, particularly for smaller and mid‑sized organizations. Nearly four in ten leaders say recruiting director‑level and above candidates is extremely or very challenging, with smaller organizations facing the greatest difficulty. Time‑to‑fill for executive roles also remains longer than historical norms, delaying strategic initiatives and increasing operational risk.

Building a Resilient Leadership Workforce Requires a Multifaceted Approach. 

Healthcare organizations that are positioning themselves for success in 2026 are prioritizing several key strategies:

  • Expanded recruiting scope: Broadening geographic reach and considering non‑traditional leadership backgrounds to increase candidate pools.
  • Competitive and flexible compensation models: Adjusting packages to remain competitive while balancing financial constraints.
  • Leadership development and succession planning: Addressing the fact that fewer than half of organizations maintain formal succession plans across leadership levels.
  • Strategic use of interim leadership: Leveraging experienced interim executives to maintain momentum during leadership transitions and reduce burnout among internal teams.
  • Technology and AI readiness: Preparing leaders for a future where artificial intelligence roles and capabilities are rapidly becoming core leadership requirements.

By investing in these strategies, healthcare organizations can strengthen leadership stability, improve retention and remain agile in an increasingly complex environment.

For deeper insights and actionable leadership strategies, MHA members are encouraged to download the full Healthcare Leadership Trends for 2026 report.

For inquiries regarding The Healthcare Trends Report or to obtain further information about AMN Healthcare and B.E. Smith partnerships, please contact Katy Allen, VP, client partnerships.

MHA Monday Report March 16, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Debt Legislation Clears Senate, MHA-Supported Bills Advance in the House

Legislation addressing medical debt collection processes and hospital financial assistance policies passed the Michigan Senate, while the House of Representatives moved MHA-supported bills during the week of March 9.  The Senate voted in support of Senate Bills 449, 450 and 451 as well as …

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 27

The MHA is now accepting nominations for the annual Healthcare Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their healthcare organization and community. Trustees, executives, physicians, nurses and other outstanding leaders are eligible for consideration. …

DEA Final Rule Takes Effect for EMS Controlled Substances

A new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) final rule took effect March 9, codifying regulations enacted in 2017 within the Controlled Substances Act related to the handling of controlled substances by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) …

Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored …

Applications Open for 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 5, 2026. The prize celebrates hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to …

Hospitals Help: Bronson Healthcare Guides Patients Through Billing, Benefits and Financial Support

Navigating healthcare billing and out-of-pocket costs can be overwhelming. In order to let patients focus on healing, many hospitals are expanding the role of financial counselors, social workers and patient navigators. For example, financial counselors …

Keckley Report

Healthcare Workforce Modernization Needed

“Last week, the war in Iran intensified and Kristi Noem’s tenure as DHS Secretary came to an unceremonious close. Perhaps lost in the noise was the February jobs report issued Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It showed a surprising decline in job growth prompting speculation the economy might have taken a downward turn. …

Healthcare is capital intense: it needs appropriations from government and in-flows from employers and individual taxpayers to pay its bills. Most of that pays for its labor costs. Today, most Board agenda include updates on labor relations, human resource management issues and workforce adequacy—it’s standard fare. And all weigh options to outsource and devour progress reports from HR management on AI-enabled investments anticipated to reduce labor costs. …

If the overall economy is dependent on healthcare to produce an appropriate share of job growth while reducing overall costs, modernizing its workforce is key. It must include unpaid caregivers, licensed and unlicensed providers and technology-enabled solution providers—not just traditional licensed professional groups and their academic partners. That’s not going to happen in the current political environment where each sector’s primary focus is protecting reimbursement and guarding against scope of practice threats.

The health system needs transformation. Workforce modernization is where to start.”

Paul Keckley, March 8, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Navigating AI’s Impact on Cyber Hygiene webinar March 25 from noon-1 p.m. ET.

MHA in the News

The MHA partnered with Crain’s Content Studio to facilitate a healthcare affordability discussion, which was highlighted in its Detroit and Grand Rapids publications. Healthcare and business leaders examined the complex factors driving healthcare costs and …

News to Know – March 16, 2026

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowThe MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, including public perception and affordability. Members are encouraged to register by May 22 to attend this memorable event. Members with questions may contact the MHA or call (517) 323-3443.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Navigating AI’s Impact on Cyber Hygiene webinar March 25 from noon-1 p.m. ET. This session will include insights from Doug Copley, chief information security officer, AtlantiCare Health System, who will explore what effective cyber hygiene looks like in an AI‑powered environment, going beyond traditional best practices to address emerging risks. Members are encouraged to register or contact Rob Wood at the MHA with questions.

MHA Members and Business Leaders Join Crain’s for Healthcare Affordability Roundtable

Member News, MHA In The News

The MHA partnered with Crain’s Content Studio to facilitate a healthcare affordability discussion, which was highlighted in its Detroit and Grand Rapids publications.

Healthcare and business leaders examined the complex factors driving healthcare costs and its impact on both patients and employers. Participants emphasized that meaningful change will require coordination across the healthcare system, including providers, insurers, businesses and policymakers.

Hospital leaders highlighted existing efforts to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden and expand new care models that help keep patients healthier and out of the hospital.

The discussion reinforced Michigan hospitals’ commitment to addressing affordability while maintaining access to high-quality care.

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

Applications Open for 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

Member News

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 5, 2026. The prize celebrates hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community health and well-being.

Winning organizations ensure regular community health assessments are completed, community-wide planning and co-design of programs and services are conducted and transparent outcome metrics are tracked to ensure accountability and progress. Past winners have co-created mental health crisis clinics, expanded housing options to help people transition out of homelessness and used strategic investments to expand capacity in vital community benefit organizations.

The award will honor one winner and up to three finalists who will be recognized at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego. Members who are improving community health and well-being through leadership and community partnerships in Michigan are encouraged to apply.

Members interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the AHA website. Those with questions may contact the AHA.

Medical Debt Legislation Clears Senate, MHA-Supported Bills Advance in the House

Member News

Legislation addressing medical debt collection processes and hospital financial assistance policies passed the Michigan Senate, while the House of Representatives moved MHA-supported bills during the week of March 9. 

The Senate voted in support of Senate Bills (SB) 449, 450 and 451 as well as SBs 701 and 702. The bipartisan three-bill package, SBs 449-451, codifies the existence of hospital financial assistance programs (FAPs), creates new reporting requirements on the benefits provided by FAPs and prohibits medical debt from being reported by credit bureaus. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), require the following: 

  • Hospitals to develop and implement a FAP that provides up to a 100% discount based on a sliding scale for an uninsured patient whose annual income is at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines. The FAP must also apply to patients who owe the hospital an unpaid bill greater than 30% of their annual income. 
  • Hospitals to post information about the FAP on bills, invoices and the hospital website. 
  • Hospitals to submit an annual report to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) stating the number of applications to the hospital’s FAP and the benefits provided by the FAP in a given year. 
  • The state to create a process allowing hospitals to check patient income eligibility. 
  • Prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in consumer credit reports. 

Additionally, SBs 701-702 aim to change medical debt collection processes in the state, including restrictions on the sale of medical debt and limits on interest.  

Each bill was approved by the full Senate and has been referred to the House of Representatives for further review and consideration. The MHA secured several key amendments to the legislation and will continue engaging with lawmakers as the process continues. 

Additionally, the House of Representatives acted on several healthcare-related bills this week, including House Bill (HB) 4582, SB 398, and HB 5281. The full House voted 58-48 on HB 4582, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Neyer (R-Shepherd), which clarifies Michigan’s premises liability law. The bill has now been referred to the Senate for consideration. SB 398, sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), modifies opioid treatment program requirements under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and was supported by the House Health Policy Committee.  The Behavioral Health Integration Council previously engaged with bill sponsors on SB 398 and other opioid use disorder bills, resulting in the MHA’s support. The House Judiciary Committee also took testimony on HB 5281. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford Township), would regulate third-party litigation funding transactions and require transparency measures. The MHA supports these bills and looks forward to their progress through the legislative process. 

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team. 

Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

Member News

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually on March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored how Food as Medicine initiatives are being implemented across Michigan health systems.

Nutrition plays an essential role in improving health and preventing chronic disease, yet many communities continue to face barriers to accessing healthy food. Council members discussed how hospitals and community partners are working to address nutrition insecurity and expand Food as Medicine programs.

The meeting opened with organizational storyboards highlighting how health systems are working to improve health outcomes, expand access and strengthen community partnerships. Members shared examples of strategies integrating social care into clinical practice, including embedding social needs data into dashboards, expanding community-informed approaches and using geographic insights to better understand barriers such as transportation, behavioral health access and financial strain.

Hospitals are also piloting innovative models, including food support programs and virtual care, to better serve rural and underserved communities.

The discussion also included insights from a cross‑sector community development initiative, highlighting how coordinated work across healthcare, economic opportunity and community design can improve conditions in under-resourced communities. Members emphasized that strong internal leadership alignment is essential to sustain community-focused progress.

The council received a legislative update, highlighting potential coverage disruptions, Medicaid redetermination challenges, physician licensure risks and evolving hospital finance pressures. Council members were encouraged to use the MHA Action Center to engage lawmakers in protecting healthcare funding.

During the meeting, Lucy Ciaramitaro, director, communications, MHA, shared more about the Hospitals Help statewide storytelling campaign that elevates high-impact hospital stories to support public awareness and trust.

Dawn Opel, JD, PhD, chief innovation officer and general counsel, Food Bank Council of Michigan, delivered an in‑depth overview of Michigan’s Food as Medicine landscape, including the Medicaid In Lieu of Services benefit. While Michigan is a national leader in this space, program uptake remains low due to clinical integration barriers, unclear workflows, inconsistent referral pathways and limited data sharing between health and food systems. Food insecurity in Michigan continues to increase, placing additional pressure on hospitals and community partners and underscoring the need for aligned strategies.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of council subgroups developing guidebooks and recommendations for scalable community health strategies related to quality improvement, patient experience, community partnerships and clinical social care integration.

Members are encouraged to map current Food as Medicine partnerships to identify gaps in referrals, data sharing or workflows. Hospitals may also engage patients and staff to assess social-needs screening workflows, focusing on timing, roles and follow-up capacity.

The council also highlighted several resources for hospitals, including the 2025 Michigan Food as Medicine Summit materials and the Aspen Institute Food is Medicine Research Action Plan.

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

DEA Final Rule Takes Effect for EMS Controlled Substances

Member News

A new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) final rule took effect March 9, codifying regulations enacted in 2017 within the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) related to the handling of controlled substances by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies.

While many provisions reiterate existing statutory requirements, the rule creates a process allowing EMS agencies to register with the DEA. It remains unclear whether EMS agencies must register with the DEA or if the rule creates an alternative to operating under a hospital’s existing DEA registration (the current process in Michigan).

If the rule requires EMS agencies to register with the DEA, it would conflict with the state’s current statutory framework, which does not allow EMS agencies to obtain their own controlled substance licenses.

Michigan’s Current Framework

Three key aspects of Michigan law include:

  • Hospital pharmacies own and maintain inventory of all EMS medications; EMS agencies serve only as custodians.
  • EMS agencies are ineligible for a state-controlled substance license under the current statute.
  • Existing MDHHS licensure and Medical Control Authority protocols authorize EMS agencies to administer controlled substances but not to purchase, own or independently store them.

MHA Actions

The MHA has engaged key stakeholders, including Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Michigan Pharmacists Association, the Michigan Board of Pharmacy and the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services — as well as the Michigan DEA Field Office to provide guidance. DEA staff have informally recommended a “business as usual” approach and the MHA is working to obtain a more formal written statement.

MDHHS Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS and Systems of Care released a memo on March 6 outlining that Michigan’s existing custodial framework and EMS licensure protocols remain sufficient to comply with the new rule and reaffirm the DEA position of “business as usual.”

The MHA believes this clarification will allow Michigan hospitals and EMS agencies to continue operating under current processes without disruption and will share further direction from the DEA when available.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 27

Member News

The MHA is now accepting nominations for the annual Healthcare Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their healthcare organization and community. Trustees, executives, physicians, nurses and other outstanding leaders are eligible for consideration.

Members are encouraged to submit individuals for consideration by completing the electronic nomination form by 5 p.m. on March 27.

Nominees must represent an MHA-member organization in good standing and have been actively involved with their healthcare organization within the past three years. Award recipients will be honored during the MHA Annual Membership Meeting in June and nominators will be asked to submit video recognition to be played during the award presentation.

For additional information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Hospitals Help: Bronson Healthcare Guides Patients Through Billing, Benefits and Financial Support

Member News, Hospitals Help

Navigating healthcare billing and out-of-pocket costs can be overwhelming. In order to let patients focus on healing, many hospitals are expanding the role of financial counselors, social workers and patient navigators.

For example, financial counselors at Bronson Healthcare meet patients where they are. Financial counselors are available whether a person enters through the emergency room or comes in for scheduled surgery, providing price estimates, financial aid resources and insurance guidance for those who need it.

David Cavataio, director of patient accounting, Bronson Healthcare, oversees a team of 15 financial counselors strategically placed across four locations. Their mission is simple but powerful: catch patients before they fall into financial crisis.

“We’ve tried to build it where no matter where you go, we get you to the right people to help you,” said Cavataio.

The Bronson team doesn’t wait for patients to ask for help. Instead, they use admissions data to anticipate and identify who may qualify for financial assistance or Medicaid coverage. From there, a dedicated team handles upfront estimates and trained call center staff connect patients to resources and support to navigate the billing process.

Patients who receive timely guidance tend to follow treatment plans and maintain long-term relationships with their providers. The challenge? Trust. Many patients are skeptical when counselors first approach them.

“A lot of patients, when they first see our counselors, don’t trust them,” said Cavataio. “But if they see how hard our team works to help them and how we’ll drop everything to get the information they need, help them fill out forms, I think they see that we’re a partner.”

This is also a strategic choice for hospitals. When patients enroll in financial-aid programs, the amount of unpaid medical debt decreases, fewer accounts are sent to collections and administrative costs decline. In 2023 alone, Michigan hospitals paid more than $3.5 billion in uncompensated care.

Efforts to build trust at Bronson are paying off. According to the team, Medicaid applications have jumped 25% this year. Financial assistance applications are up 40%. These statistics represent thousands of Michigan families who can now afford the care they need.

“The call from your financial team was like a beacon in a storm,” said one patient. “I was about to quit my job so I could qualify for state assistance. I was near rock bottom. That changed after five minutes with the team.”

State policymakers are also moving to strengthen these efforts. Initiatives such as the 2024 medical debt-relief program have helped thousands of Michiganders reduce or eliminate existing debt.

“We’re there to help,” said Cavataio. “At Bronson Healthcare, those aren’t empty words; they’re a daily practice that’s keeping Michigan families out of medical debt and healthy, one patient at a time.”

To learn more about Medical Financial Assistance at Bronson Healthcare, visit their website. Members with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.