Category: Member News

MHA Board Uplifts Funding for Birthing Hospitals and Support for Health Equity

Member News

The MHA Board of Trustees continued work on advancement of the 2023-2024 Strategic Action Plan at its April 10 meeting, with focus on its four pillars: workforce support and innovation, viability, improved behavioral healthcare and health equity. Opposition to government mandated staffing ratios remains a top priority for the association within the workforce pillar, as it has been shown to be a harmful approach to addressing workforce shortages. Instead, the association supports specific measures to address educational barriers, support innovation and grow the talent pipeline.

The board recognized the work within the viability pillar through the MHA and the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health partnership to secure $10 million in state grant funding to assist Michigan’s birthing hospitals to pay for new mandatory state Maternal Level of Care (MLC) verifications. Pending state legislation will require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to register each birthing hospital’s MLC verification. Under the terms of the grant, the MDHHS will provide funding for birthing hospitals that fully participate in MI-AIM and complete an application to participate in the MLC verification through The Joint Commission (TJC). Funding per hospital will range from $50,000-$400,000 this fiscal year and the MHA Keystone Center will fund TJC fees. More information will be provided in an upcoming member webinar.

The board also received the final report from the Health Equity Task Force and endorsed converting the task force into a standing Health Equity Council for the 2024-2025 program year to continue the work of the board to ensure that high quality, equitable and safe care is available for everyone. The board recognized the association’s work in furtherance of behavioral health priorities through continued input on behavioral health legislation, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities and the hosting of its ongoing five-part behavioral health member webinar series.

Lastly, the board approved new member applications from R1 RCM, Origami and Bay Street Orthopedics and Spine.

Members with questions about the MHA Board of Trustees may contact Amy Barkholz at the MHA.

$10 Million Grant Available for Birthing Hospitals

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA and the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health recently secured a new state grant to support birthing hospitals. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing $10 million for hospitals to support the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) work and the cost of The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program. $1 million of the funding will be dedicated to cover the hospitals’ cost of the MLC Verification.

Hospitals participating with MI AIM and pursuing MLC verification are eligible to receive a share of the remaining $9 million in fiscal year (FY) 2024. This funding for hospitals is also included in the FY 2025 budget.

To receive funds, hospitals must be a MI AIM participant and completed an application for The Joint Commission’s MLC Verification program before Aug. 1, 2024.

The MHA Keystone Center is providing support to hospitals interested in pursuing this new state funding. The MHA will host an informational webinar at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17.

For more information, members may visit the MI AIM Maternal Levels of Care webpage, contact Andrew Syrek at the MHA or watch the presentation from The Joint Commission on the MI AIM webinar.

Michigan Legislature Introduces Behavioral Health Bills

Member News
capitol building

capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature introduced several bills recently related to behavioral health. The bills are a result of MHA advocacy activity that supports the behavioral health section of the MHA Strategic Action Plan.

Each of the bills proposes specific policies that would address some of the challenges hospitals experience when behavioral health patients seek care in the emergency department (ED).

A summary of each bill is provided below:

  • Senate Bill (SB) 802 introduced by Sen. Wojno (D-Warren): Requires sharing of the availability of community based mental health and substance use disorder services and integrates that information with the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.
  • SB 806 introduced by Sen. Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant): Expands the three-hour assessment responsibility by allowing clinically qualified staff to conduct pre-admission screenings for a patient presenting in an ED.
  • SB 811 introduced by Sen. Huizenga (R-Walker): Expands hospital swing bed eligibility to include inpatient behavioral health patients, beyond existing acute care or skilled nursing care patients.
  • SB 833 introduced by Sen. Geiss (D-Taylor): Prohibits arbitrary limitations placed by commercial insurers on the duration of inpatient psychiatric admissions that are not consistent with care for physical health admissions.

Advocating in favor of these bills is a large focus for MHA advocacy and policy staff for the remainder of the session. The MHA is also working closely with other lawmakers for introduction of additional legislation specific to this issue. An infographic on the problems hospitals experience caring for behavioral health patients in the ED and proposed solutions will be shared with lawmakers. The resource includes data points from the MHA’s weekly behavioral health ED boarding survey.

Members with questions on these bills should contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Publishes Guardianship Guide for Providers and Patients

Member News

Cover photo to the MHA newly published Guide for Michigan's Adult Guardianship Process.The MHA published a new resource for hospital and healthcare teams to support patients and families navigating the guardianship process.

The Guide for Michigan’s Adult Guardianship Process addresses commonly asked questions, outlines statutory requirements and provides suggestions, steps and supplemental resources to help patients, family members and caretakers embarking on the guardianship process. Hospital and health system executives, clinicians, case managers, discharge planners and supporting members of the healthcare team are encouraged to use and share this tool as needed.

The guide was developed with insight from MHA members, AARP of Michigan, Kelley Cawthorne, the MHA Hospital Attorneys Group, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Supportive Adult Services Section, the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative and the Michigan Probate Judges Association.

It covers a wide range of subject matter, including:

  • When to Consider Guardianship.
  • How to Apply for Guardianship.
  • Types of Guardianship.
  • Guardianship Court Procedures.
  • Alternatives to Guardianship.

A digital copy is available for print. Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series Navigates Challenges

Member News

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of the MHA’s continued investment in behavioral health, a key priority in its strategic action plan and advocacy and policy efforts. The series will provide hospitals with strategies to navigate the current system, strengthen partnerships and identify innovative solutions for overcoming many challenges in management of patients with behavioral health needs.

The next webinar in the series is Wednesday, April 17 at 1 p.m.

April 17: Navigating Challenges

The webinar will address the dispute and resolution process and the voluntary and involuntary commitment process.

May 8: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 1

Will offer innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

June 12: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 2

Will offer additional innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

Registration is free and open to MHA-members only. The series will be relevant to any employee working closely with behavioral health patients who are part of the CMH/PIHP contracting process or work with community organizations to support patient’s behavioral health needs at the time of discharge.

Members with questions on the webinar series may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA. Members with questions on the MHA behavioral health strategy may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Michigan Advance Column Highlights Healthcare As Economic Driver

Member News, MHA In The News

Michigan Advance “Micheconomy” columnist Rick Haglund published a column April 7 that focuses on the large role education and healthcare have in Michigan’s economy. It specifically references the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s annual Economic Impact of Healthcare Report, which is published in conjunction with the Michigan State Medical Society and Michigan Osteopathic Association.

“A study last year by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association claimed that nearly 20% of all payroll jobs in the state in 2021 were in health care and health care-related positions. Health care employers paid out $46 billion in wages and benefits to 567,957 workers in 2021, or an average $80,992 per employee, according to the study.”

The column also references multiple community investment projects being driven by hospitals and health systems throughout Michigan.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Register Today for 2024 Communications Retreat

Member News

There is still time to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2024 Communications Retreat is now finalized. They include:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare, to discuss communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • J. Joshua Wilda, regional chief digital information officer, University of Michigan Health-West and Tony Lambert, chief technology officer, TechSmith, will discuss AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting communications and marketing.
  • A panel of communications will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
    • Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions
    • Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health
    • Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health
    • Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital,
  • A collection of speakers will present on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
    • Kara Gavin, research and policy media relations manager, Michigan Medicine
    • Jim Rose, director of marketing, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
    • Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
    • Tera Szeliga, marketing/director of marketing and communications/ institute for leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

The daylong event is geared toward the specific needs of hospital communicators working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

Members are encouraged to register by April 25 to attend the retreat. The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

MHA Human Resources Conference Top Takeaways

Member News, MHA Rounds

Written by Mary Rosser, MA, SHRM-CP, Chief Human Resources Officer, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

The 2024 MHA Human Resources Conference gathered almost 100 healthcare human resource leaders to explore innovative recruitment and succession planning strategies and network with peers from across the state in-person for the first time in four years.

Following panel discussions and learning labs, attendees walked away with innovative, actionable solutions for overcoming human resources challenges within their organization.

Groups shared their ideas at the end of the learning labs, and individuals shared their top takeaways at the end of the event. Below are some of the top takeaways from the event.

  1. Create partnerships with educational institutions (K-12, college-level and beyond) and state agencies to collaborate on solutions to address workforce shortages.
  2. Leverage government programs and resources available to get in front of future healthcare talent. Lean on organizations like Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Works! to explore partnership opportunities. The MI Hospitals Careers website also provides resources and information on healthcare careers.
  3. Meet the candidates where they are. Stop expecting candidates to come to your organization or even website. It is important to be where they are and put content where they are.
  4. Understand what sets you apart and promote it! Know what makes you special as an employer. Is it your culture? Is it your benefits or training program? Market your unique value to potential candidates.
  5. Think outside of the box when it comes to recruitment. Highlight the organization in ways that haven’t been done before. Also, be mindful that it doesn’t end with recruitment – provide opportunities for new hires to build their career and meaningful relationships.
  6. Connect with individual team members about their goals and career aspirations. To get ahead on succession planning, make it a regular practice to ask employees about their skillset, personal career goals and any aspirations including their desire (or not) to become a leader within the organization.
  7. Be intentional about communicating with leadership about potential future leaders. As a follow-up to takeaway #6, don’t wait until there is a management role to fill to connect with leadership on the goals and aspirations of team members.
  8. Use tools that makes this process manageable. Leverage technology that creates trackable and frequent conversations between supervisors and employees about career desires, strengths, and opportunities.
  9. Build a culture of trust from the top-down. Ensure your healthcare teams feel supported by leaders at every level and comfortable to collaborate with their colleagues, department heads and executives.
  10. Reflect on your role within an organization as an HR leader. Consider how others in the organization may be viewing you and address any misalignment between your perception and others’ perceptions.

At the event, Kerry Ebersole Singh, chief talent & engagement officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, presented on what Michigan leaders are doing to attract and retain talent for the state.

Connect

Those interested in connecting with attendees from the event can utilize the event app for up to 90 days after the event to connect with attendees and panelists, including the following individuals:

  • Jeremy Cannon, VP and chief nursing officer, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center
  • Jason D. Graves, system manager of recruitment and workforce development, MyMichigan Health
  • Meleah Mariani, chief nursing officer, Corewell Health Ludington Hospital
  • Erin Kujawski, regional director – organizational effectiveness, U-M Health Regional Network, UM Health – West, Sparrow Health System
  • Jeremiah Hodshire, president & chief executive officer, Hillsdale Hospital
  • Joel W. McDermott, VP, talent & culture, Corewell Health

CMS Releases FY 2025 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

Member News

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs) for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025.

Key provisions of the proposed rule include:

  • Increasing the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) payment per treatment by 71% from $385.58 to $660.30 for IPFs that comply with IPF quality reporting program (QRP) requirements and $647.45 for IPFs that fail to report data.
  • Decreasing the IPF PPS federal per diem base rate by a net 2.3% after all adjustments, from $895.63 to $874.93. IPFs that fail to comply with the CMS IPF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements would be paid using a base rate of $857.89.
  • Updating the wage index using the most recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) statistical area delineations based on the 2020 Decennial Census.
  • Increasing the labor-related share from the current 78.7% to 78.8%.
  • Increasing the cost outlier threshold by 6% from the current $33,470, to $35,590 to achieve the 2% target for outlier payments as compared to aggregate IPF payments, decreasing the number of cases that qualify for outlier payments.
  • Maintaining the existing facility-level adjustment factors for rural location, teaching status and emergency department.
  • Changes to the IPFQR Program:
    • Adopting the 30-Day Risk-Standardized All-Cause Emergency Department (ED) Visit Following an IPF Discharge measure beginning with the FY 2027 payment determination.
    • Modifying reporting requirements to require IPFs to submit patient-level data on a quarterly basis.
  • Requesting comments on future revisions to the IPF PPS facility-level adjustment factors and development of the new standardized IPF Patient Assessment Instrument (IPF-PAI), required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, for rate year 2028.

The MHA will provide IPFs with a facility-specific impact analysis and additional details on the proposed rule in the near future. The MHA also encourages members to submit comments to the CMS by May 28 and to contact the MHA with issues identified by May 21.

Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.