Michigan hospitals are finding innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and remove barriers to timely care. One example of this comes from McLaren Health Care and its McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, who recently launched a first-of-its-kind cardiovascular screening program to help better detect patients’ risk for heart disease.
Launched in partnership with Bunkerhill Health and its AI-powered Carebricks platform, the tool’s FDA-cleared clinical algorithm detects indicators for coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis – two common forms of heart disease that worsen over time if left untreated.
“This is a very important way of finding the disease before it causes any problems for the patient long-term or short-term,” said Dr. Samar Kazziha, chief medical director, McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, McLaren Health Care.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Michigan and the U.S. In addition to heeding controllable risk factors, early intervention can significantly reduce the odds of a life-threatening cardiovascular event.
McLaren’s new technology has alleviated the need for time-consuming tests and imaging that traditionally have been performed to detect the presence and risk of heart disease. Now, clinicians can spot signals much sooner – even during routine testing for other, non-heart related conditions.
Launching a screening program of this size and scope would have normally placed added strain on clinical teams, including time spent reviewing charts, checking guidelines and coordinating follow-up care. Bunkerhill Health’s Carebricks makes the process easier by enabling AI-powered workflows that analyze patients’ records already on file, clinical guidelines and McLaren’s own care protocols. As a result, McLaren can expand access to early cardiovascular screening while minimizing added workload for clinicians.
“By using the clinical information already available to us, this program enables us to identify patients who may benefit from earlier follow-up, often before symptoms appear, and ensures they are connected to the right care at the right time — helping to close critical gaps in detection, improving those patients’ long-term outcomes and overall quality of life,” said Kazziha.
To learn more about cardiac care services, visit the McLaren Health Care website. Those with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 23 on key issues affecting access to care and the healthcare workforce.
MLive, Gongwer and the Michigan Advance reported on the bipartisan agreement to extend Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in the articles emphasizing how the compact helps hospitals recruit qualified physicians more efficiently while maintaining critical state oversight.
Peters underscored the importance of participation in the compact, especially in areas where workforce shortages can limit patient access to specialty services.
“For many hospitals, especially those serving rural or border communities, the compact supports access to care in high-demand specialties such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and primary care,” he said.
Laura Appel, executive vice president, government relations & public policy, was featured in Michigan Independent’s coverage surrounding Gov. Whitmer’s executive budget recommendations to fund Michigan’s Medicaid program.
Appel highlights the challenges hospitals will face if more Michiganders lose healthcare coverage.
The MHA was also quoted in a Bridge Michigan story examining increased federal immigration enforcement activity near healthcare facilities, reiterating that hospitals remain focused on caring for every patient who seeks treatment. Meanwhile, Peters also appears in an MLive article about sharing the impact of Medicaid funding cuts to hospitals.
Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.
The 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.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid policy updates to the Michigan Mental Health Framework, making several changes from the proposed version related to assessment use, timing and provider eligibility.
Reassessments may now be conducted based on clinical judgment without a defined “change in condition.”
Additional clarifications include:
Services may be delivered and reimbursed before an assessment is completed.
Individuals should be assessed when first presenting for services.
A new assessment is not required if one is already on file in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System.
Preadmission screening and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan processes remain unchanged.
The policy also introduces new guardrails around the use of standardized assessments. Assessments should not be conducted during a crisis and cannot be used to determine, limit or restrict the amount, scope or duration of services. These provisions were not included in the proposed policy and signal a shift toward clinical decision-making and patient access.
The update expands provider eligibility, allowing nonlicensed bachelor’s-level providers to conduct assessments.
In addition, the age criteria for the tools were updated. The Level of Care Utilization System now applies to individuals age 18 and older, while MichiCANS applies from birth through age 18.
Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.
Gov. Whitmer signed House Bill 5455, now Public Act 6 of 2026, into law March 26. This came ahead of the deadline for the state to continue participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact without interruption.
Following negotiations finalized March 19, the Michigan Senate passed the legislation sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile Township) on March 24, to ensure Michigan’s continued participation in the compact. The MHA thanks state lawmakers for their commitment to pass the bill and transmit it to the governor before the March 28 deadline. The MHA also thanks its members and healthcare stakeholders across the state for their advocacy supporting continued participation.
The compact streamlines the licensing process for qualified physicians, strengthening Michigan’s ability to recruit talent and fill critical staffing gaps while maintaining patient safety standards and regulatory oversight.
For many hospitals, particularly those serving rural or border communities, the compact supports access to care in high-demand specialties such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and primary care. As lawmakers consider next steps, preserving tools that support workforce flexibility and protect access to timely care remains a priority.
The MHA appreciates the legislature’s collaboration and work in advancing this legislation.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) is organizing a Continuum of Care Consortium. This group is designed to bring together hospital and long-term care (LTC) providers for collaborative dialogue focused on challenges in care transitions. Additional topics will include improving discharges to skilled nursing facilities, hospital admissions, code status, multidrug-resistant organisms, medication management and other barriers surrounding the continuum of care.
BSC and LARA’s Bureau of Community and Health Systems will serve as facilitators and provide regulatory guidance as needed. Additional participants will include LTC association leads, the Superior Health Quality Alliance and representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, including the State Medicaid Agency and Office of Recipient Rights, on an ad hoc basis.
The group will meet quarterly for 90 minutes. MHA members interested in participating should contact Jennie Belden at BSC.
This is a great opportunity for hospital leaders, case managers and those responsible for care transitions to engage directly with state agencies and LTC partners to develop practical solutions to longstanding care transition challenges.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, signed into law Feb. 3, includes updates to the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA). These updates include a data reporting period from May 1-July 31, 2026, based on private payer data collected from Jan. 1-June 30, 2025, and a delay of planned payment reductions through 2026. PAMA reformed the CLFS into a single national fee schedule based on private market data from “applicable laboratories” serving Medicare beneficiaries, including hospital outreach, independent and physician office laboratories.
Additional updates under PAMA include:
Delays CLFS rate reductions of up to 15% through Dec. 31, 2026.
Updates private payer data that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will use to set the 2027 CLFS rates by shifting the data collection period to Jan. 1 through June 30, 2025, rather than the same period in 2019.
Establishes the May 1-July 31, 2026 data reporting period for applicable laboratories, to allow the CMS to calculate CLFS rates that will be effective Jan. 1, 2027.
A hospital-based outreach laboratory is considered an “applicable laboratory” if it meets the following criteria:
Furnishes laboratory tests to nonpatients, rather than admitted inpatients or registered outpatients.
Bills for Medicare Part B laboratory services furnished to nonpatients using the Form CMS-1450 under type of bill 14X.
Meets or exceeds the low expenditure threshold, having received at least $12,500 in Medicare CLFS revenues during the six-month data collection period.
The MHA encourages hospitals to monitor the CMS CLFS reporting website for updated materials, including frequently asked questions, the required Excel reporting template and the list of test codes for which laboratories are intended to report private payor rates and volumes.
Following a recent cyberattack at Stryker Corporation, the company issued a Stryker Cyber Incident Response Certification Letter on March 16 to update its customers on the ongoing situation. The letter includes information on product safety, communication with Stryker sales representatives and updates on supply chain operations.
The MHA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have been requested to assist Stryker in sharing this information with hospitals and Emergency Medical Services agencies statewide.
Hospitals are encouraged to check Stryker’s website for the latest update on their network disruption. The MHA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information is confirmed.
Members with questions may contact Jim Lee at the MHA.
Several key healthcare bills, including mandatory nurse overtime, assisted outpatient treatment, Certificate of Need and site-neutral payment policies, saw action in the legislature during the week of March 16. The Senate Regulatory Affairs …
Following negotiations finalized March 19, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) announced plans to pass legislation authorizing Michigan’s continued participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). The MHA thanks state lawmakers for their commitment …
The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on February 2026 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …
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The MHA will host the next Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours session on April 29 from noon to 12:45 p.m., featuring Michigan 211. The session, Understanding Regional Needs: A Data Driven Look at Michigan’s …
The MHA is now accepting applications for the Excellence in Governance Fellowship which will be held from October 2026 through June 2027. The comprehensive program is designed to support hospital and health system trustees in strengthening governance …
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Healthcare remains the state’s largest employer of direct, private-sector jobs. With this in mind, hospitals are finding innovative ways to give Michigan students the opportunity to gain real-world exposure to clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles. …
“Of industries monitored in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ industry classifications (NAICS), healthcare is unique: its business model is based on business to business (B2B) transactions between suppliers (drugs, devices, technology, hospitals, ancillary facilities), intermediaries (GPOs, PBMs, insurers, brokers) and retail distributors (physicians, pharmacists, therapists, et al) in which end-users (consumers) have limited influence and unpredictable financial responsibility. The acceptance of low health literacy is institutionalized in state and federal regulatory oversight, labor rules and scope of practice determinations and funding by private investors, public appropriations, employer contributions and out-of-pocket payments by consumers. Its acceptance is inconsistent with aims to make it more accessible, affordable and effective. …
For too long, health literacy has been relegated to discussions among public health officials. Its neglect is harmful to every organization in healthcare and to its long-term sustainability. Boards should weigh in, and policymakers should act. Health literacy can ill-afford being out of sight, out-of mind in the U.S. health system and in the society we serve.”
Healthcare remains the state’s largest employer of direct, private-sector jobs. With this in mind, hospitals are finding innovative ways to give Michigan students the opportunity to gain real-world exposure to clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles. Some examples of these efforts are outlined below.
McKenzie Health System Hosts Healthcare Career Exploration Tours for Local Students
McKenzie Health System hosts an immersive hospital tour for local ninth and tenth grade students.
The eight-week program provides hands-on exploration of health and human service careers across the Thumb region. During their visit to McKenzie, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at how a rural hospital operates and the many career paths available within healthcare.
The tour itself involved rotating through several departments – pharmacy, dietary, nursing, diagnostic imaging, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation – and participating in interactive learning experiences designed to bring healthcare careers to life.
“These tours give students a meaningful look at the many career opportunities available in healthcare, right here in their own community,” said Nina Barnett, Public Relations. “We are proud to support the exploration of healthcare careers for local youth and to partner with the Thumb Community Health Partnership in building a strong future workforce.”
By partnering with the Thumb Community Health Partnership and local school districts, McKenzie continues to invest in programs that encourage students to explore rewarding careers in healthcare close to home.
Trinity Health Muskegon Hosts Schools for a “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student”
Educators and students from Muskegon High School and Spring Lake High School recently visited Trinity Health Muskegon to participate in an interactive activity titled, “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student,” where they followed the medical journey of a student athlete hurt during a football game.
From the initial scene with paramedics to the operating room alongside surgical technicians, students observed each step of care and were introduced to roughly 40 different medical and health-related professions along the way.
Trinity Health Muskegon colleagues shared more about their roles, required education, career pathways and practical advice. Representatives from healthcare colleges and Trinity Health Muskegon’s Talent Acquisition team were also present to serve as resources for the students.
“Many of these students have no idea how many career options exist within various healthcare settings,” said Jerry Evans, MD, emergency medicine provider, Lake Michigan Emergency Specialists and immediate past chief of staff, Trinity Health Muskegon. “Athletic trainers, paramedics, physicians, nurses, radiology and lab technicians, emergency department teams, operating room staff, computer support, dietary services, facilities personnel and so many others. Trinity Health Muskegon is devoted to strengthening our community and inspiring our youth to consider careers in healthcare.”
Covenant HealthCare Invites Recent Grads to Explore Hospital Careers
Covenant HealthCare created “Discover Covenant” in 2024 to expand knowledge of hospital jobs, grow local talent and help future generations make informed career decisions.
The summer program is a paid opportunity designed for recent high school graduates interested in healthcare. It runs from early June to late August, giving participants the opportunity to explore areas of interest along with those they’re unfamiliar with. Exploration periods are done in three-week rotations from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday.
“As I worked through Discover Covenant, my love of helping people and feeling a sense of accomplishment was ignited during the nursing rotation,” said one participant. “I have now willingly changed my college major to nursing, and I am grateful for the time and money saved due to my experience with Discover Covenant.”
Since 2024, hospital employees and volunteers have hosted approximately 30 students – a handful of which have since sought employment or additional learning at Covenant. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Covenant team.
“This program has given young adults from our community the opportunity to learn more about healthcare careers and engage with our organization,” said Jill Jarvis, BSN, RN, manager, clinical development & education, Covenant HealthCare. “It has been a win-win for both participants seeking knowledge and guidance about their futures and for our organization, which is working to build pipelines for future employees.”
Hillsdale Hospital Awards Up to $50,000 in Educational Support to High School Seniors Pursuing Nursing Careers
Hillsdale Hospital’sDoris Whorley Nursing Scholarship allows eligible high school seniors to apply for tuition assistance of up to $10,000 per year for up to five years for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
“Our hospital depends on nurses across every point of care and our mission with this scholarship program is to support their education, on-the-job training and long-term career development,” said Randy Holland, chief nursing and infection control officer.
The scholarship was named after Doris Whorley, Hillsdale’s longest working nurse who has been in the profession for nearly 58 years.
“Doris Whorley has made such an incredible and enduring impact on our hospital’s staff and patients,” added Holland. “On behalf of Hillsdale Hospital’s nursing staff, we are honored to carry her legacy forward as we train and guide future nurses.”
Program application announcements can be found on Hillsdale Hospital’s website.
Eaton Rapids Medical Center Hosts Themed Hospital Tour
The team at Eaton Rapids Medical Center recently hosted a two-day hospital tour for local second graders. To keep things engaging, the event was pirate-themed and included exploring the “Emergency Deck,” emergency department, a visit to ”Clean Hands Island” to learn more about the importance of handwashing and a trip to “X-Ray Bay” to see the hospital’s radiology equipment.
The tours are designed not only to ease fears associated with medical care, but also educate students on healthy habits and see members of the hospital team in action.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local schools to bring this experience to our second graders every year,” said Eleni Danford, MSN, RN, clinical education, Eaton Rapids Medical Center. “By opening our doors and giving students the chance to explore our departments, meet our care team and have a genuinely fun and memorable experience, we hope to build a sense of familiarity and trust between our hospital and the community we serve.”
Pine Rest Charts Careers in Mental Health
Through personal narratives, reenactments and hands-on activities, more than 200 Kent County students explored career opportunities in the mental health field at an event recently hosted by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
“Pine Rest Beyond the Books — The High School Edition,” was an immersive program designed to introduce teens to behavioral health careers. Students from Kent Career Tech Center and several local high schools, including Byron Center, Kenowa Hills, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, Lowell and Northview, attended the event.
Amy Pierce-Danders, Pine Rest workforce development manager, said many students entering the medical field focus on traditional roles, such as nurse or doctor, without realizing the breadth of opportunities available. Other behavioral health job options include counselor, social worker, psychiatric technician, behavioral analyst and recreational therapist, she said.
“The goal is to get the students on campus where they can learn about behavioral health issues and discover these healthcare pathways,” Pierce-Danders said.
MI Hospital Careers Campaign
As a complement to the local efforts of Michigan hospitals, the MHA’s MI Hospital Careers campaign launched in June 2023 to expand interest in Michigan health careers. The campaign targets high school and college students, as well as working professionals looking for a rewarding career. To learn more, contact Katelin Wiersma at the MHA.
