Category: Member News

MHA Member Supply Chain Leaders Share Insights and Resources

Member News

MHA staff recently attended the Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment event hosted March 4 by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This participation represents the MHA’s continued efforts to advocate for member supply chain issues, which also includes supporting the priorities listed in an American Hospital Association letter issued Feb. 5 to the administration.

Chris Giese, senior vice president of AES-MS, the MHA Service Corporation Supply Chain Program Partner, served as moderator during the event. Panelists included MHA Service Corporation board member Andrea Poulopoulos, senior vice president of supply chain, Corewell Health; Christy Nguyen, supply chain manager, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital; and Luke Aurner, coordinator, Region 6 Healthcare Coalition.

Insights were shared on innovations to address workforce shortages and improve productivity. Corewell Health currently operates two distribution centers and are in the process of building a 300,000 square foot distribution center with automation in Wyoming, MI to mitigate these issues.

The panelists discussed cyber risks associated with automation, prompting participants to reflect upon and plan for what happens when there is a cyberattack or grid outage. Panelists also shared about creating resilient supply committees that can convene at a moment’s notice to evaluate suitable alternatives, early warning system algorithms and participation in the Healthcare Industry Resilience Collaborative. In addition, speakers covered how having a designated individual on the supply chain team dedicated to environmental sustainability, as well as the challenges and rewards of maintaining a resilient and diverse group of vendors amid cost reductions and changing federal policies.

Other issues addressed by the panelists included how to mitigate potential impacts of the new tariffs, inflation and the rapidly rising costs of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. One strategy shared was to focus on supply chain resilience with high-cost, low-volume items that are not conducive to traditional group purchasing organization negotiations, such as physician preference items, specialty drugs and capital equipment. Addressing this requires intentional focus on medical staff and organizational culture.

The MHA recently launched the Supply Chain Collaborative, which provides members with a complimentary cost analysis in collaboration with AES-MS, with no cost or committment required.

Members with questions or seeking more information may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Opioid Treatment Policies

Member News

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 12 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The MHA advocacy team provided important updates to the panel on healthcare activities at both the federal and state levels.

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, shared the federal update, recapping the activities of the Trump administration since inauguration. Topics included a review of several healthcare-related executive orders, federal agency appointments and proposed Medicaid funding cuts.

Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, advocacy, then provided the panel with a state legislative update, recapping the recent passage of 340B contract pharmacy legislation in the Senate and the recently revised Earned Sick Time Act. Senate Bill (SB) 94, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), passed the Senate 33-3, with overwhelming bipartisan support, on March 6, which safeguards the 340B program in Michigan, ensuring cost savings and preserving access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. The bill is paired with SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws.

John Karasinski, senior director, communications, discussed the public communications strategies supporting Medicaid and 340B efforts. Panel members were encouraged to visit the MHA’s Legislative Action Center and to use the action alerts for both topics.

The Panel chose to act on two issues, making recommendations related to opioid treatments. The first recommendation directs the MHA to support efforts to eliminate prior authorization requirements for buprenorphine. The second recommendation is for the MHA to work with state agencies on state regulatory requirements for opioid treatment programs.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, members may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 10, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

Senate Passes 340B Hospital Protections & IMLC Clears House

The Michigan Senate passed legislation that protects 340B hospitals with bipartisan support while the Michigan House of Representations voted through legislation that removes the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) during the week …

Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

The MHA recently released a toolkit of communications resources to support hospitals in advocating against potential Medicaid funding cuts in their local communities. The toolkit includes: Talking points Template letter-to-the-editor Template press release Social media …

HHS Rescinds Richardson Waiver Policy on Public Participation

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the rescinding of the Public Participation in Rule Making (Richardson Waiver), which invited public participation in rulemaking related to federal rules and regulations. HHS Secretary …

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently completed the April 2025 update to the MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual, which will be available online April 1, 2025. This update aims to clarify coverage …

MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium Approved for CE Credits

Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 & 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. The symposium, offering continuing education …

Regional Training April 23 for Maternal Health Providers on Hypertension Safety

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health is offering regional training sessions for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation. The one-hour …

Keckley Report

The Four Unwritten Rules for Engaging the Nashville Healthcare Industry

“This year, the Nashville Heath Care Council is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Its 900 members employ 333,000 and contribute $68 billion to the local economy. It hosts global conferences (VIVE, Sessions) among its 80+ events annually and promotes Nashville as the healthcare innovation hub of the planet. It is dominated by publicly traded health services companies and the armies of advisors, lawyers, accountants and analysts they employ. …

The Nashville healthcare community will not attempt to transform the industry: that’s for others. It will engage on industry challenges that require technology-enabled solutions, private capital and experienced operators. It is not paralyzed by regulation, industry norms, trade association affiliations or tradition. It is prone to think of healthcare as a opportunistic market, celebrate its profitability and leave systemic issues for others to fix.

The Nashville healthcare community is a fast follower: the bleeding edge is for others.  But in following fast, it has emerged as a key influencer in Trump healthcare policies and their execution.”

Paul Keckley, March 3, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA Human Resources Conference is quickly approaching on March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing.
  • In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.

Elizabeth KutterMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 3 on the Michigan Senate passing legislation that protects the 340B program, the potential impact of tariffs on hospitals and healthcare costs, as well as a …

News to Know – March 10, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowThe MHA Human Resources Conference is quickly approaching on March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing. Members must register by March 14 to network with colleagues, learn best practices and earn 5.25 credit hours for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.  Members with questions about registration may contact Brenda Carr at the MHA. Questions regarding the conference should be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey. Submissions can include efforts big or small that are improving the overall health, wellness and quality of life of patients and communities. Throughout the year, these programs will be featured on the MiCareMatters website and shared across MHA digital platforms. For more information, members may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently completed the April 2025 update to the MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual, which will be available online April 1, 2025. This update aims to clarify coverage responsibilities among Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs), Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) and Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) to improve service delivery and reduce confusion among providers and beneficiaries.

The update specifically addresses coverage responsibilities for psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, including:

  • MHPs will remain responsible for evaluations related to mild to moderate conditions, particularly when driven by medical necessity.
  • PIHPs will handle evaluations and treatment if a severe condition is suspected.
  • Medicaid FFS will cover behavioral health screenings, including psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, when performed by primary care providers or other qualified professionals for FFS beneficiaries. If a service is not included under the PIHP benefit or is provided by a non-PIHP enrolled provider, Medicaid FFS will assume coverage. However, if the beneficiary qualifies for PIHP services, the PIHP will take over coverage.

These clarifications will also be incorporated into the Beneficiary Eligibility subsection within the Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports and Services section of the Medicaid Provider Manual. This update ensures that providers better understand their roles in delivering psychological and neuropsychological evaluations and that beneficiaries receive appropriate services based on their needs.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

Member News

The MHA recently released a toolkit of communications resources to support hospitals in advocating against potential Medicaid funding cuts in their local communities.

The toolkit includes:

Michigan hospitals are encouraged to use these tools to express the importance of Medicaid and the value it provides to the entire community. Members are also reminded to share the MHA’s Medicaid action alert within their organizations to share the value of the program with Michigan’s Congressional delegation.

Efforts at the local level will complement MHA activities in both Washington, D.C. and statewide to publicly raise the awareness of the importance of Medicaid.

Members with questions regarding Medicaid communication materials may contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

HHS Rescinds Richardson Waiver Policy on Public Participation

Member News

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the rescinding of the Public Participation in Rule Making (Richardson Waiver), which invited public participation in rulemaking related to federal rules and regulations. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the repeal in a policy memo, emphasizing that this decision aligns the Department with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Effect immediately, the HHS will no longer apply additional notice and comment requirements beyond what the APA mandates.

The APA established procedures for federal rulemaking, requiring agencies to provide public notice and solicit feedback before implementing certain regulations. However, it also allows exemptions for certain areas, including public property, loans, grants, benefits and contracts. The Richardson Waiver voluntarily extended public participation to these areas within HHS, ensuring transparency and accountability in policymaking. By rescinding the waiver, HHS is removing these safeguards, making it easier to change policies without consulting the public or affected stakeholders.

While this repeal does not affect the Medicare payment rule processes, it may impact public participation in policymaking related to National Institutes of Health research funding and Medicaid regulations. Without a mandatory public comment period, HHS can now make sweeping changes with minimal oversight, potentially altering hospital reimbursement rates, research funding allocations and healthcare compliance regulations without input from medical professionals or patient advocacy groups.

The MHA encourages healthcare stakeholders to increase direct engagement with policymakers, strengthen advocacy efforts and collaborate with professional organizations to ensure their concerns are still represented. It will be more critical than ever for hospitals and advocacy groups to remain vigilant, track policy changes closely and actively seek alternative ways to impact healthcare regulations.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium Approved for CE Credits

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 & 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. The symposium, offering continuing education credits for physicians, nursing and social workers,* is designed for clinical teams across the continuum of care, quality, safety and risk professionals, person and family advocates and healthcare executives.

With premier speakers, interactive breakout sessions with a variety of topics and a registration fee half the price of most national patient safety conferences, the MHA Safety & Quality Symposium is an exceptional value. The content explores today’s most critical issues, like cyberattack downtime preparedness to decrease patient risk, creating a zero-harm environment, normalizing workforce members help-seeking and strengthening their wellbeing, and reducing health disparities. The online detailed agenda outlines the numerous learning opportunities.

A discounted overnight room rate is available through March 27 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and room reservations will be confirmed based on availability. Find the discount code for the hotel rooms in the “things to know” section of the event webpage.

For more information about the symposium, contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about event registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.

*For more details, please visit the online Continuing Education Accreditation Statement.

Senate Passes 340B Hospital Protections & IMLC Clears House

Member News

The Michigan Senate passed legislation that protects 340B hospitals with bipartisan support while the Michigan House of Representations voted through legislation that removes the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) during the week of March 3.

Following successful reporting from the Senate Oversight Committee, the full Senate took swift action on Senate Bill (SB) 94, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). The MHA-supported legislation passed the Senate 33-3, with overwhelming bipartisan support, on March 6, reflecting the Senate’s commitment to protecting access to care and the 340B program. The Senate paired this legislation with SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws.

SB 94 safeguards the 340B program in Michigan, ensuring cost savings and preserving access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. Further, this legislation adds first of its kind pharmaceutical manufacturer transparency requirements, making Michigan’s legislation the strongest in the nation.

The legislation will now be sent to the House of Representatives for further action. The MHA continues to advocate for the 340B program and support Michigan hospitals’ efforts to expand access to quality, community-based care. Members are encouraged to use the MHA 340B Action Alert to contact their lawmakers in support of this legislation.

In addition, House Bill (HB) 4032, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile), passed the full House 106-1 on March 6. The legislation eliminates the sunset on the interstate medical licensure compact, which streamlines the licensing process and allows physicians licensed in one state to practice in multiple, participating states.

By removing additional licensing requirements for physicians seeking to practice across state lines, patients experience increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas, by physicians included in the compact. States involved in the compact can share disciplinary and investigative information through the state medical board to strengthen public protection for patients and the program. Michigan’s participation in the compact is currently set to expire March 28, 2025. The MHA supports this legislation and is working quickly with lawmakers to move it through the legislative process before the compact’s current expiration date.

Members with questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Regional Training April 23 for Maternal Health Providers on Hypertension Safety

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering regional training sessions for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation.

The one-hour sessions will include time for discussion and collaboration among regional hospital teams following the presentation. Nurses, physicians and other maternal health inpatient clinicians are encouraged to attend and may choose from either a morning session from 8 to 9 a.m. or an evening session from 5 to 6 p.m. on April 23, 2025. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required with the links provided.

These sessions are funded by the HRSA AIM grant (A30MC49987) as a continuation of the regional trainings conducted in Fall 2024.

Members may contact the MHA Keystone Center for registration questions. Dominique Abram and Meagan Chuey at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are available for event related questions.