Category: Member News

MHA Participates in Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Healthcare Policy Forum

Member News
Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA (middle), is pictured during a panel discussion at the SWBH 9th annual regional healthcare policy forum.

Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) hosted Oct. 4 the ninth annual regional healthcare policy forum in Kalamazoo. Moderated by Dr. Colleen Allen, CEO, Autism Alliance of Michigan, the forum focused on the theme of “Working Together” to discuss the future landscape of Michigan healthcare.

The event convened association leaders, policymakers and behavioral health professionals to focus on fostering collaboration, addressing the needs of mutually served populations and advancing whole person care.

Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, joined a panel discussion alongside Meghan Groen, senior deputy director, Behavioral and Physical Health Services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; Dominick Pallone, executive director, Michigan Association of Health Plans; Phillip Bergquist, chief executive officer, Michigan Primary Care Association; State Representative Julie Rogers, chair, House Health Policy; and Alan Bolter, associate director, Community Mental Health Association of Michigan to discuss Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, opioid settlement dollars and treatment for substance use disorders.

SWMBH is the Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan for eight Michigan counties and is in partnership with the Community Mental Health (CMH) agencies of these counties. SWMBH, in partnership with the CMH’s and local providers, provides mental health services to adults with severe and persistent mental illness, children with severe emotional disturbance, individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and individuals with substance use disorders.

The event also held an awards presentation which honored Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey.

Members with questions about the event or SMBH are encouraged to contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Fall MI AIM Regional Training Events

Member News

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering training events across Michigan for inpatient maternal healthcare providers. The events, scheduled from late October to November, will focus on using quality improvement techniques for MI AIM safety bundle implementation.

The in-person events are free of charge, open to nurses, physicians and hospital maternal health teams. The trainings will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include breakfast and lunch. Time for discussion and collaboration among regional hospital teams will be provided. An overview agenda is available for attendees to view prior to the event.

MI AIM Regional Training Dates

For questions, please reach out to Dominique Abram and Meagan Chuey from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Division of Maternal & Infant Health. Members may also reach out to the MHA Keystone Center for assistance.

MDHHS Releases Medicaid Doula Services Proposed Policy

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy updating Medicaid coverage for doula services, effective Oct. 1, 2024. Key updates include increasing the number of covered doula visits to 12 per pregnancy, raising reimbursement rates to $1,500 for labor and delivery support and $100 per prenatal and postpartum visit. Additionally, beneficiaries may qualify for up to six extra visits if more support is needed, based on criteria such as promoting health literacy, emotional support, addressing social determinants of health and more.

These changes aim to improve maternal and infant outcomes, support birth equity and reduce disparities. Doulas provide essential emotional, physical and educational support during pregnancy, leading to better birth outcomes.

Members are encouraged to review and provide feedback on the proposed changes to Kimberly Lorick at LorickK1@michigan.gov. Comments must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Webinar Explores How Boards and Leaders Can Deploy AI Responsibly and Ethically

Member News

The MHA is hosting the webinar How Boards and Leaders Can Deploy AI Responsibly and Ethically, scheduled 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET, Dec. 3 which features respected healthcare leaders in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare operations and national and state policy. Registrants will learn about the importance of enterprise objectives, current infrastructure and budget constraints in pursuing AI technology, review an example of how to structure AI policies and ensure guardrails are in place. The webinar will also help attendees understand the importance of monitoring regulatory AI guidance and requirements, and being a strong advocate.

The webinar is being offered as traditional AI, such as robotic process automation, has already made its way into hospital operations. However, the speed of AI innovation will bring transformative changes, making it essential for leaders and governing board members to understand AI’s potential value, capabilities, limitations, risks and the outcomes it can drive.

CEOs and governing board members are encouraged to attend the webinar, which is free of charge to MHA members. Questions about MHA membership or registration should contact Brenda Carr at the MHA.

MHA Highlights Behavioral Health Priorities at Michigan Children and Families Summit

Member News
Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy, MHA (middle) pictured during Michigan Children and Families Summit.

Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy, MHA, participated in a discussion Oct. 3 in Grand Rapids during the Michigan Children and Families Summit hosted by the Steelcase Foundation. The summit explored the results of a Harvard study on the impact of loneliness in Michigan families that the foundation supported with the national nonpartisan think tank Capita.

The summit was a continuation of a collaborative roundtable held in May, where participants explored the growing epidemic of loneliness affecting families across America, with a particular focus on its impact in Michigan.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government, associations and nonprofit organizations, all deeply engaged in addressing the rising levels of loneliness among Michigan families and identifying the key factors contributing to this concerning trend.

LaPine discussed the state of behavioral health and its contribution to the topic. The conversation also delved into the critical challenges confronting Michigan hospitals, with a focus on the behavioral health priorities the MHA is leading to address these issues within the state.

The event was led by Daniel Williams, president, Steelcase Foundation, and Tracie Coffman, program officer, W.K. Kellog Foundation. Other speakers during the event included Joe Waters, founder and CEO, Capita; Elliot Haspel, senior fellow, Capita; State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks; U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten; Kent County Commissioner and Chair Stan Stek; Dr. Kim Carter, Battle Creek Public Schools and Jacob Maas, West MiWorks!.

Members with questions about the event or behavioral health are encouraged to contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Race of the Week – U.S. Senate

Member News

MHA RACE OF THE WEEK

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races for the 2024 General Election. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background.

MICHIGAN CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) is a former national security official currently serving Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, which includes all of Ingham, Livingston, Shiawassee and Clinton counties, as well as parts of Eaton, Genesee and Oakland counties.

Like many Americans, healthcare is a deeply personal issue for Rep. Slotkin. In Congress, she worked across the aisle to help pass legislation to make prescription drug prices more transparent and fought to pass laws that capped the cost of insulin for seniors and allowed Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. Slotkin also worked closely with the MHA and the hospitals in her district during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slotkin is a third-generation Michigander who believes government works best when there are two healthy parties that debate the big issues facing Americans. For more information, visit elissaslotkin.org.

Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) is a former state senator and member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Prior to his time in the legislature, Rogers worked as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Rogers, also a Michigan native, is known for his work on Michigan’s 529 College Savings Program and efforts passing legislation to help low-income families receive healthcare. Additionally, Rogers served as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and was a part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Rogers entered the private sector in 2015 to champion small businesses before announcing in August 2023 his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. To learn more, visit rogersforsenate.com.

WHY IT MATTERS

Congress is responsible for lawmaking and budgetary decisions critical to Michigan’s healthcare community and residents. In addition to setting the course on federal funding that impacts Michigan’s Medicare and Medicaid populations, among other issues, Congress is responsible for making policy decisions that can vastly impact the delivery and access to healthcare in the state, as well as confirmation of Supreme Court nominees. Due to the major financial and policy decisions made in Washington, DC, Michigan relies on its federal officials to advocate and protect the needs of state residents, which is why electing healthcare champions to federal offices is so important.

For more information or to request 2024 Election materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA.

Legislation Impacting Hospitals Introduced in State Legislature

Member News

A variety of bills impacting hospitals and health systems were introduced and discussed in the state legislature during the week of Sept. 23.

Senate Bill (SB) 701, introduced by Sen. Singh (D-East Lansing), updates the statutory framework for the rural and obstetrical access pools funded in the fiscal year 2025 state budget. The MHA supports SB 701 as an additional statutory clarification to highlight the importance of funding for rural providers. The bill now goes to the governor for her signature.

The Senate Health Policy Committee took testimony on SB 1006, introduced by Senator McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), which would require hospitals to stock and offer intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control immediately postpartum. The testimony focused on the potential efficacy of the procedure and the potential risks to the patient. The MHA has not yet taken a position on the legislation and has expressed concerns regarding provider discretion, appropriate settings and potential supply chain disruptions. The committee did not take a vote on the legislation.

House Bill (HB) 5964 was introduced by Rep. Conlin (D-Ann Arbor). The legislation would repeal the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which allows physicians who are licensed and in good standing to practice in any compact state without first getting a state specific license. The MHA supported bill was referred to the House Health Policy Committee.

Rep. Young (D-Detroit) introduced HB 5999, which would prohibit mandatory overtime for nurses working in Michigan’s hospitals. The MHA is opposed to this one-size-fits-all prohibition that does not account for national workforce shortages, risk of patient harm or new restrictions on employer discretion as a result of citizen-initiated laws on earned sick time. The MHA continues to work with lawmakers to understand the impact this bill, along with government mandated nurse staffing ratios, will have on access to healthcare in Michigan. The bill was referred to the House Labor Committee.

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

CE Credits Available for Health Equity Regulatory Requirements Webinar

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA and the MHA Keystone Center are hosting an educational webinar from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 10 about the current and future state of regulatory and accrediting health equity requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) and The Joint Commission (TJC). 

Leading the discussion is Julia Finken, senior vice president for accreditation and regulatory compliance for Patton Healthcare Consulting and Barrins & Associates. With more than 25 years of healthcare expertise and nearly two decades at TJC, Finken will also walk members through the MHA Keystone Center’s Guide and Action Plan to Integrating CMS and TJC Health Equity and Health Disparities Requirements and its online learning module series. These resources were created to provide actionable strategies for implementing compliant health equity programming in an acute care setting.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Explain priority areas across the CMS and TJC requirements.
  • Summarize compliance expectations for these new regulations.
  • Outline future health equity priorities and expectations from CMS and TJC.
  • Demonstrate how the MHA Keystone Center’s tools can assist hospitals and health systems with creating actionable strategies for advancing health equity that meet regulatory and accreditation requirements.

The webinar is eligible for nursing and social worker continuing education credits. 

Registration for the webinar is free of charge to MHA members thanks to the generosity of Alliance-HNI Health Care Services, an associate member of the MHA.

Members with questions about registration should contact the MHA Keystone Center.

NAIC Meeting Evaluates Impact of Pharmaceutical Costs on Rural Hospitals

Member News
Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA (middle) pictured during a presentation at the Midwest Zone meeting of NAIC.

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox invited the MHA and Munson Healthcare to present to the Midwest Zone meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) held Sept. 25. The topic was the impact of pharmaceutical costs and complexities on rural hospitals.

Bradley Beaman, clinical utilization pharmacist at Munson Healthcare, shared specific examples of the pharmacy overhead costs confronting all hospitals and how small, rural hospitals have fewer financial resources to manage these costs. The insurance commissioners also heard from Kelly Anderson, Ph.D., MPP, about the patient impact of reducing access to pharmacy services. Kelly Edmiston, policy research manager at the NAIC Center for Insurance Policy and Research, presented on the financial risks facing rural hospitals and the past and current rates of rural hospital closures.

The NAIC Midwest Zone is made up of insurance commissioners and department directors from 13 states. The Commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion about the fixed costs of hospital pharmacy operations and the role of insurance coverage in assuring access to care for prescription drugs and other services in rural areas of their states. Recommendations from the NAIC Zones become part of the full NAIC policy-making discussion. The MHA is committed to growing its involvement with the NAIC and other national policy-making organizations to influence decision-making that impacts Michigan hospitals.

For more information about this recent meeting and the NAIC, members may contact Laura Appel at the MHA.

Upcoming MDHHS Maternal Health Offerings

Member News

MDHHS to Host Statewide Maternal and Infant Health Data Meeting – Oct. 28

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health is partnering with the Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MI PQC) to offer its Statewide Maternal and Infant Health Data Meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 28. The event will showcase maternal and infant health data across the state and regionally.

Members interested in attending the event can register online.

MDHHS Invites Community-Based Organizations to Apply for Maternal Mortality Surveillance Grant – Oct. 7 Deadline

The MDHHS is offering funding support to a select number of projects focused on improving maternal health, with an emphasis on pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum care. Community-based organizations are encouraged to apply for funding by Oct. 7.

Members interested in learning more about the funding opportunity can download the informational flyer or review the online application.