Category: Member News

Healthcare Laws Set to Take Effect April 2025

Member News

More than 30 healthcare laws signed by Gov. Whitmer from last term are set to take effect on or after April 1. Some of these laws include state level Affordable Care Act (ACA) codifications, increased access to telehealth services, elimination of Medicaid work requirements in state law, access to maternal health resources and services and much more. The MHA worked extensively with state lawmakers to ensure hospital voices were represented throughout the legislative process and looks forward to the enactment of supported legislation.

The MHA created a comprehensive overview of the laws taking effect for members.

Members with additional questions may reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Members Share Strategies for Advancing Person and Family Engagement

Member News

Members of the MHA Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Advisory Council will share how integrating the MHA Roadmap to Person and Family Engagement develops and strengthens PFE efforts in their organizations through two upcoming PFE Improvement Sprint webinars.

Published in 2023, the roadmap outlines standardized definitions, policies and practices to advance PFE efforts.

The first webinar, Hospital Staffing and Structures Needed to Support and Coordinate PFE Activities, will take place from Noon to 1 p.m. April 30. Speakers will share examples of ways to build leadership support and engage other healthcare staff, whether by having patient representation on improvement initiatives or having patients and caregivers participate in discharge planning with healthcare staff.

The second webinar, Deploying PFE Roadmap Strategies to Improve Patient Safety and Quality, Outcomes, Experiences, and Support Hospital Priorities, will take place from Noon to 1 p.m. May 21. Speakers will outline how to involve patients and families in value-mapping, like having patients outline the touchpoints with healthcare staff that are valuable to them or having hospital literature outlining patients’ rights and responsibilities.

These webinars are free of charge to MHA members. Chief nurse and medical executives, patient experience and relations professionals, quality and safety professionals, social work professionals, case managers and nursing staff are encouraged to register.

Questions about MHA membership or registration should be directed to Brenda Carr at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 24, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Senate Hears MHA Testimony on Medicaid; Licensure Compact House Bills Advance

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of the Department of Health and Human Services heard testimony from the MHA on Medicaid funding and various licensure compact bills advanced in the House during the week of March …

Registration Open for MHA Virtual Member Forum on Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, will host the virtual member forum Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response from 9:30 – 11 a.m. May 9. During the webinar, leaders from six …

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 …

Applications Open for 2026 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2026 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 6, 2025. The prize honors health delivery organizations that demonstrate alignment between community health needs …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Techniques to Build Skills in Three Critical Areas

The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the AHA, highlights podcasts, videos, webinars and other resources available on today’s most pressing healthcare issues. March articles include: Ways for boards …

Keckley Report

Are the 7 Presumptions on which the U.S. Health System is Built still Relevant?

“Years ago, I taught an introductory class at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to medical students also pursuing an MBA degree. Its intent was to equip future caregivers with the aptitude to lead healthcare organizations in the development of strategies for growth and innovation. …

I remain optimistic healthcare leaders will look beyond near-term incrementalism to long-term transformational change. Lacking the attention it deserves; the U.S. system will become a large public utility for most and a concierge alternative for the few.

The 7 presumptions on which the U.S. system is built are no longer valid as a foundation for its future. They need modernization. And well-intended leaders in healthcare should use that process to define the system’s future state while there’s time to consider options.”

Paul Keckley, March 17, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • 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.
  • The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering regional training sessions April 23 for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation.

News to Know – March 24, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowIn 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.
  • The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering regional training sessions April 23 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.. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required with the links provided. 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.

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Techniques to Build Skills in Three Critical Areas

Member News

The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights podcasts, videos, webinars and other resources available on today’s most pressing healthcare issues. March articles include:

  • Ways for boards to boost effectiveness, build muscle and effectively guide an organization through three key modes of governance.
  • An AHA Market Scan that outlines how to create new operating models for organizations struggling to achieve clinical, financial and operational efficiency.

For information about MHA trustee resources or webinars, contact Erin Steward at the MHA.

Registration Open for MHA Virtual Member Forum on Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response

Member News

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, will host the virtual member forum Cybersecurity and Cyberattack Response from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 9.

During the webinar, leaders from six healthcare systems leading cyberattack incident response will explore lessons learned about detection, containment, eradication and recovery, and crisis communication. Chief executive information, security, financial, medical and nurse officers, health information, financial and data leaders, and directors of communications and media relations are encouraged to register.

The MHA and Michigan hospitals are committed to strengthening cybersecurity by collaborating with policy leaders and stakeholders to secure resources and dismantle criminal enterprises that disrupt the care continuum.

The MHA members-only forum is being offered free of charge. Questions about MHA membership or registration should be directed to Brenda Carr at the MHA.

Senate Hears MHA Testimony on Medicaid; Licensure Compact House Bills Advance

Member News

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) heard testimony from the MHA on Medicaid funding and various licensure compact bills advanced in the House during the week of March 17.

The MHA provided testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of the DHHS in regard to recent federal funding threats to Medicaid. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, shared how recent federal proposals could be devastating to patients, providers, hospitals and communities while leaving the state responsible for several billion dollars’ worth of funding. Carlson noted that Michigan Medicaid is the single largest payer for long-term care, maternity care and mental health services. Dr. Phillip Rogers, chair of Family Medicine at Michigan Medicine, further illustrated the importance of the program by sharing powerful patient stories. The MHA will continue to collaborate with lawmakers on this issue and oppose any efforts at the federal level that threaten Medicaid funding.

A number of bills related to licensure compact agreements advanced in the state House. House Bill (HB) 4101, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), and HB 4102, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), received testimony in the House Health Policy Committee on March 19.

The bills, collectively, create a licensure compact agreement for physical therapists in the state of Michigan. In addition to this, HB 4103, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), and HB 4104, sponsored by Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), also were part of the committee hearing. Similarly, these bills create a licensure compact agreement for occupational therapists in the state. Finally, HB 4246 was introduced by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington) and referred to the House Health Policy Committee. This legislation creates the interstate nurse licensure compact to help strengthen our workforce and enhances patients’ access to care. The MHA supports the aforementioned bills and looks forward to further action.

Members with additional questions may reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Applications Open for 2026 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

Member News

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2026 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 6, 2025. The prize honors health delivery organizations that demonstrate alignment between community health needs and co-designed programs.

Honorees are often those who forge effective collaborations with a broad range of community organizations to improve access to care and address societal factors influencing health. 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 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver. Members that 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.

MHA Monday Report March 17, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Opioid Treatment Policies

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 …

MHA Member Supply Chain Leaders Share Insights and Resources

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 …

MHA Upcoming PFE Webinars Focus on Advancing Patient-Centered Care

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Advisory Council, is excited to offer the PFE Improvement Sprints, a webinar series designed to help hospitals and health systems amplify PFE efforts. …

Applications Open for 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship are now open for healthcare board members seeking innovative and effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. …

Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET April 10. Speakers John Higgins, vice president of Essentia Health, a …

Keckley Report

DOGE Healthcare Targets prompt Uncomfortable Questions

In the President’s 99-minute address to Congress last Tuesday, not a mention of healthcare. None. Nada. Go figure.

It’s not surprising but totally regrettable. Politicians on both sides of the aisle know it’s a vital industry to the population’s well-being and the economy’s overall stability. It accounts for a fourth of all job gains in monthly Bureau of Labor jobs reports. It also represents 28% of total federal spending (includes HHS + Veterans Health) with the CBO forecasting 5.5% annual growth through 2032. Thus, it’s not surprising it’s a target of ongoing DOGE federal spending cuts and prominent in this week’s budget reconciliation vote by Congress to avoid a shut down.

Two programs are initial targets: Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. Each is big and serves unique populations …

The impact of proposed Medicaid and VA cuts will draw attention to the overall health system, prompting its critics to argue its wastefulness and its defenders to blame inadequate funding or unfair regulation.”

Paul Keckley, March 10, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.
  • Lenise Freeman, a current Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow, was recently selected to participate in The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan Health Policy Fellowship.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 10 on the 340B program and potential federal Medicaid funding cuts with outlets including MichMash, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and 9&10 News. MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on the March 14 episode …

News to Know – March 17, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowRegistration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 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. 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.
  • Lenise Freeman, a current Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow, was recently selected to participate in The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan Health Policy Fellowship. Lenise has worked with the MHA Health Policy team for the past two years and plays an integral role in MHA’s policy analysis and development work. Prior to joining the MHA, Lenise worked in U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ office. CHRT’s four-month Health Policy Fellowship connects policymakers, researchers and nonprofit professionals. Fellows learn about the intersection between health research and health policy from subject-matter experts and from each other. Since the fellowship began in 2012, more than 100 fellows have graduated.