Tag: advocacy

Notable Healthcare Legislation Clears House, Senate Committees

Member News

Legislation on physician assistant licensure compact agreements, international medical school graduates, hospital price transparency measures and medical debt collection advanced in the Michigan House and Senate during the week of Nov. 10.

In the House Health Policy Committee, lawmakers took testimony on Senate Bill (SB) 95, introduced by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater), which would codify federal hospital price transparency requirements into state law. Lawmakers from other states testified virtually to share perspectives on hospital price transparency efforts similar to SB 95. The MHA continues to work with committee members on this issue and supports tying SB 95 to bills that would create state-level protections for the federal 340B drug pricing program.

The committee also voted in support of House Bill (HB) 4925 and HB 4896, introduced by Rep. Phil Green (R-Watertown Township) and Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell), which creates a new pathway for certain internationally educated physicians to practice medicine in Michigan. After securing key amendments, the MHA supported this legislation in committee.

Further, the Michigan House voted in favor of HB 4857, introduced by Rep. Will Bruck (R-Erie), which would expand confidentiality and liability protections associated with critical incident stress management (CISM) services to any individual, rather than limiting them to emergency service providers. CISM services include critical incident stress debriefings, on-scene support, consultation and referral services. The MHA applauds the unanimous 108-0 House vote supporting individuals affected by traumatic workplace events.

In the Senate Health Policy Committee, lawmakers voted in support of HB 4309, SB 483, and SBs 449–451. HB 4309, sponsored by Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), adds Michigan into the physician assistant licensure compact agreement. SB 483, introduced by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), creates a palliative care task force in the state. Lastly, SBs 449-451 address medical debt collection efforts and requirements for hospitals and are sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Coldwater). The MHA supports HB 4309 and SB 483; and remains neutral on SBs 449-451.

Lastly, the Michigan Senate voted 33-3 in favor of  SB 443, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo), which requires hospitals and health facilities that provide surgical services to create and implement a surgical smoke plume evacuation system. The bill will now move to the Michigan House for further consideration.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Speech-Language Pathologist Medicaid Coverage and Critical Incident Stress Management Services Legislation Advances

Member News

Legislation improving coverage policies for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and broadening those included under Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) services advanced in the Michigan House of Representatives during the week of Oct. 20.

House Bill (HB) 4484, introduced by Rep. Joe Fox (R-Fremont), amends the Social Welfare Act to allow Michigan-licensed SLPs to seek Medicaid reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech-language therapy services. SLPs could seek reimbursement for services regardless of having a certificate of clinical competence and regardless of any Department of Health and Human Services rules or regulations surrounding the issue. The bill passed out of the Michigan House 102-0 on Oct. 22. The MHA-supported bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 4857, introduced by Rep. Will Bruck (R-Erie), expands the scope of confidentiality and liability provisions related to CISM services to any individual, rather than just emergency service providers. CISM services means services provided by a CISM team or team member to individuals affected by a critical incident or series of incidents to help manage or reduce stress-related responses. Some of the services provided include critical incident stress debriefings, on-scene support services, consultation and referral services. The MHA supports the legislation, which was unanimously approved by members of the House Health Policy Committee on Oct. 22.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

MHA Testifies in House Oversight Subcommittee, IMLC and AOT Legislation Passes Senate

Member News

The MHA provided testimony May 21 to the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security on certain challenges related to behavioral health patients and the need for inpatient psychiatric beds across the state.

The House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security heard about patients facing behavioral health crises and their experiences with emergency department boarding based on insurance status. Taylor Alpert, government relations manager, advocacy, MHA shared data the association began collecting in 2023 on emergency department length of stay for patients with a behavioral health diagnosis. The data revealed more than 155 patients with a behavioral health diagnosis waiting in a hospital emergency department daily. Patients with Medicaid coverage experience longer wait times than those with commercial insurance, with one in three Medicaid patients spending more than 48 hours in the emergency department before being admitted or discharged.

Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA outlined the process of the current preadmission screening assessment completed by providers for patients with a behavioral health diagnosis and illustrated for the committee how the process is unnecessarily complicated for those with Medicaid coverage. Carlson provided information on how member hospitals in the state are actively trying to expand or undergo capacity improvement projects to address this growing issue, but federal Medicaid threats, staffing gaps and state behavioral health beds per capita remain a challenge.

The MHA has been exploring opportunities to address this issue at the state level and has been working with the legislature on changing the statutory requirements for preadmissions screening timelines. Senate Bill (SB) 316, sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant), enforces a three week timeline for completing a preadmission screening requirement for patients covered by Medicaid and was introduced earlier this week. The MHA will continue to educate legislators on this issue and support SB 316 to expand the assessment responsibility to improve the delivery of care for behavioral health patients in Michigan.

Additional behavioral health legislation advanced in the Senate this week:

  • SB 303, also sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck, renews Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. It passed unanimously in the Senate and now moves to the House Health Policy Committee.
  • SBs 219–222, introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), update procedures for Assisted Outpatient Treatment to improve care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

In the House, the Rules Committee passed House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), which would establish a nurse licensure compact agreement in Michigan. The MHA has expressed support for each of these legislative efforts.

Members with additional questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Testifies on Nurse Licensure Compact Bills, Senate Passes Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Momnibus Legislation

Member News

The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the week of April 20.

House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), would create a nurse licensure compact agreement in the state of Michigan. Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee. Brown and Kutter discussed the importance of the compact in terms of nurse recruitment and patient access to care across state lines, especially with border states.

Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee.

“In addition to recruitment and coordination of care in our state’s border areas, joining the Compact would positively benefit telehealth access,” Brown said. “Compact licensure means residents in Michigan can access more telehealth professionals in other compact states, increasing access points for our state’s residents.”

Currently, there are 41 states participating in the compact, putting Michigan at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent in the nursing profession. This legislation awaits further testimony in the House Health Policy Committee before being taken up for a vote.

Additionally, the Michigan Senate passed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). Senate Bills (SBs) 3–5 establish the board and require both commercial insurance and Medicaid to adhere to upper payment limits developed for certain prescription drugs being reviewed by the board. The objective of the PDAB is to provide more opportunities for prescription drug affordability for Michigan residents. The MHA worked closely with bill sponsors to secure key amendments that recognize hospitals as entities that face drug affordability challenges. Following the adoption of these important changes, the MHA supported SBs 3-5.

The Michigan Senate passed the Momnibus, a group of bills designed to improve support in prenatal and maternal healthcare during the week of April 13. The legislation includes SBs 29–39, which focus on addressing improving access to care and ensuring better patient outcomes for all birthing individuals.

The Momnibus makes several changes aimed at improving maternal healthcare, including creating opportunities for patients to directly engage in their treatment experience, implementing policies that support patient rights and providing funding to train more doulas to work in both urban and rural areas. The bills also expand midwifery services, improve data transparency about maternal health outcomes and protect patient rights related to pregnancy and childbirth. The MHA worked closely with the bill sponsors to improve access to maternal care and supported SBs 29, 30, 31, 36, 38 and 39. Both Senate bill packages will now move to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration. The MHA will continue to report on further action on this legislation.

Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Continues to Monitor Baxter IV Solutions Shortage

Member News

The MHA continues to support Michigan hospitals in response to the Baxter IV solutions shortage that began the week of Sept. 29. Baxter International Inc. temporarily closed its North Cove manufacturing plant in Marion, N.C., due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. As the largest IV solutions plant in the country, North Cove produces 1.5 million bags of IV solution per day and supplies 60% of the nation’s IV solutions, including critical products like saline, sterile water and peritoneal dialysis solutions.

The MHA continues to hold discussions with healthcare leaders across the state to address the ongoing shortage. These conversations allow hospitals to share insights on supply challenges and explore collaborative strategies for managing the shortage. The MHA continues to gather feedback from its members to advocate for solutions and provide updates on the evolving situation.

Baxter launched a new webpage Oct. 14 with resources that hospitals can use for product management and conservation strategies. The webpage contains resources from Baxter, the federal government and other groups. In addition, Baxter said shipments to the U.S. from two Baxter sites abroad “started last week and more are on the way.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory Oct. 12 to inform healthcare providers, pharmacists, healthcare administrators and health departments of a supply disruption affecting peritoneal dialysis (PD) and IV solutions. This shortage also stems from damage to the Baxter facility.

In response, the advisory includes recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the American Society of Nephrology, and other key organizations to help healthcare providers manage the shortage. ASHP also updated its conservation resource Oct. 11 to provide guidance for managing fluid shortages and conserving supplies.

The FDA also released guidance Oct. 11 that is effective immediately for compounding certain parenteral drug products in response to the effects of recent hurricanes, including the closure of the Baxter manufacturing plant.

The Baxter Hurricane Helene webpage continues to serve as a single source of information, providing the latest company updates about allocation plans. Updates will be provided on Mondays and Thursdays. Members are encouraged to contact Baxter for questions related to the IV solution situation, particularly if they are in dire need of product. The American Hospital Association is also maintaining a Baxter resource webpage too.

The MHA encourages Michigan residents to consult with their healthcare providers for updates on the shortage and its impact on hospital operations in their area.

Members with questions should contact Laura Appel at the MHA.

What’s Ahead in Healthcare? Insights from the American Hospital Association

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA). Pollack joined MHA CEO Brian Peters to discuss a variety of topics tied to past, present and future healthcare trends.

As the nation’s largest hospital and healthcare system membership organization, the AHA is one of our country’s most respected and effective advocacy organizations. Beyond his strong advocacy leadership, Pollack has been instrumental in addressing historic workforce challenges, expanding healthcare access, improving healthcare quality and safety, eliminating disparities in care and much more.

MHA CEO Brian Peters and Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the AHA, during the recording of the MiCare Champion Cast episode.

After sharing more about his journey to the AHA, Pollack explored the fundamental shifts he has seen within the national healthcare environment and what issues will be at the forefront through 2025, regardless of the outcome of the general election.

“We always work to be a resource to candidates on both sides [of the aisle] and make sure they have the information they need in terms of data and what our positions are,” said Pollack. “Regardless of the election, there are certain issues that are not going to go away,” he added, noting affordability, drug pricing, value-based payment, and insurer accountability as examples of bipartisan issues.

Pollack later shared the important role grassroot efforts play when it comes to healthcare advocacy at the local level.

“People should not be intimidated in terms of engaging their legislators,” said Pollack. “They work for you, and you could be a resource to them. I always used to try to explain to my kids what a lobbyist does – and part of it is being an objective educator on issues where you are the expert and they will look to you for their guidance and counsel…and as a former congressional staffer, don’t forget the staff.”

Peters and Pollack also discussed cybercrime, challenges and opportunities for rural hospitals, the importance of the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program and much more. The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report May 27, 2024

Monday Report

Governor Signs Mental Health Parity Law and Other Legislative Updates

Gov. Whitmer signed Michigan’s first mental health parity law May 21. The bipartisan legislation requires insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments at the same level as physical health services. Senate Bill …

Deadline Approaching for MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications for the 2024 – 2025 MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship, held from October 2024 through June 2025, are due June 28. Governing board members enrolled in the fellowship will learn how to frame problems …

MHA Webinar Reviews Workplace Safety and Privacy Laws

The MHA Health Foundation is hosting the Balancing Workplace Safety Privacy Laws webinar scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon, June 11. The webinar will address how hospitals balance the safety, security and privacy of patients, …

 

Collaborating to Address EMS Challenges

Following National EMS Week, it’s important to recognize how we can continue to support the dedicated teams providing lifesaving care every day to Michigan patients and communities. In my role as director of health policy …

Deadline to Register for MHA Workforce Recruitment Models Webinar

Registration closes May 29 for the MHA webinar Recruitment Models that Grow a Strong and Patient-Centered Workforce scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. May 30. The webinar highlights the MHA Person & Family Engagement Roadmap, …

The Keckley Report

Hospital Price Transparency: Is the Juice worth the Squeeze?

“Academic researchers and economists have concluded that hospital price transparency has not led to reduced heath spending overall nor lower hospital prices. Per a recent systematic review: “No evidence was found for impact on the outcomes volume, availability or affordability. The overall lack of evidence on policies promoting price transparency is a clear call for further research…  Price-aware patients chose less costly services that led to out-of-pocket cost savings and savings for health insurers; however, these savings did not translate into reductions in aggregate healthcare spending.  Disclosure of list prices had no effect, however disclosure of negotiated prices prompted supply-side competition which led to decreases in prices for shoppable services.”

Per Wall Street Journal actuaries, hospital price increases account for 23% of annual health spending increases but vary widely based on factors other than their underlying costs. Determining how hospital prices are set remains beyond the scope of conventional pricing models. …

Is the Juice worth the Squeeze for hospital price transparency efforts? To date, proponents say yes, opponents say no, and each side has valid concern about use by consumers. But unless one believes the role of consumers as purchasers and users of the system’s service will diminish in coming years, the safe bet is hospital price transparency will play a bigger role. …”

Paul Keckley, May 20, 2024

News to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled May 27 in honor of Memorial Day.

 

MHA Monday Report May 20, 2024

Monday Report

Legislature Advances MHA Supported Policy Bills; Budgets Moves Through Senate

The Michigan Senate advanced their chamber budgets for the upcoming fiscal year during the week of May 13. The Senate’s budget recommendations for the Department of Health and Human Services continues vital funding for Medicaid, …

House Campaign Committee Chairs Address Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center May 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by presentations …

CDC Urges Hospitals to Complete mPINC Survey

The 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) will close June 10. The CDC seeks to assess maternity care practices that influence how …

Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act Introduced in the U.S. Senate

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act May 14 to bolster rural healthcare. Senate Bill 4322 aims to address critical gaps in rural healthcare infrastructure by …

MHA Podcast Explores Benefits, Challenges of Virtual Care in Behavioral Health

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring how clinicians are navigating virtual care in the behavioral health space. The episode, released during Mental Health Awareness Month, features two providers from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. …

The Keckley Report

Hospitals at a Crossroad: Reactive Navigation or Proactive Orchestration?

“The U.S. economy is strong but growing numbers in the population face financial insecurity and economic despair. Increased out-of-pocket costs for food, fuel and housing (especially rent) have squeezed household budgets and contributed to increased medical debt—a problem in 41% of U.S. households today. Hospital bills are a factor. …

For most hospitals, a decision to invest and behave as if the future is a repeat of the past is a calculated risk. Others with less stake in community health and wellbeing and greater access to capital will seize this opportunity and, in the process, disable hospitals might play in the process.

Near-term reactive navigation vs. long-term proactive orchestration–that’s the crossroad in front of hospitals today. Hopefully, during National Hospital Week, it will get the attention it needs in every hospital board room and C suite. …”

Paul Keckley, May 12, 2024

News to Know

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is requesting feedback to understand the challenges of obtaining a license.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

Crain’s Grand Rapids published an article May 16 on the release of Rand Corp. study on hospital pricing. Michigan reportedly has the third lowest hospital care costs relative to Medicare in the country, although the …

Legislature Advances MHA Supported Policy Bills; Budgets Move Through Senate

Member News

The Michigan Senate advanced their chamber budgets for the upcoming fiscal year during the week of May 13. The Senate’s budget recommendations for the Department of Health and Human Services continues vital funding for Medicaid, rural and critical access hospitals, obstetrical services and the Healthy Michigan Plan. Additionally, the Senate passed budget includes funding to provide reimbursement for peer recovery coaches in the hospital setting to enhance substance use disorder services, as well as funding to support hospital achievement of Maternal Levels of Care verification through the Joint Commission.

Several MHA supported bills also moved through the committee process and onward to the governor’s desk. The House Health Policy Committee voted in favor of revising the disposal requirements for appropriately contained sharps. Senate Bill 482, sponsored by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), allows for sharps containers to remain in use until they are ¾ filled but for no longer than 18 months from the date of first sharps disposal into the container. This is a significant revision from the current law, which requires disposal every 90 days, regardless of if the container is underutilized. The MHA is supportive of this legislation and brought this idea to the legislature following feedback from the MHA membership.

The House Tax Policy Committee voted to report House Bill (HB) 5394, sponsored by Rep. Felcia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.). HB 5394 requires appropriate information sharing to fully effectuate the organ donor registry and implementing new policies allowing for individuals to identify themselves as an organ donor on their tax returns. The MHA supports this legislation and continues to support opportunities to improve Michigan’s organ donation processes.

In addition, the Senate approved HBs 4131, 4213, 4579 and 4580, which provide payment parity for telehealth services and protections for telemedicine access. The bills support a provider’s ability to serve patients and protect in-person visits that are vital to health outcomes. The MHA supported bills are now headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Members with questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

 

MHA Monday Report May 13, 2024

Monday Report

House Advancing Medicaid Budget Highlights Legislative Work

The Michigan House of Representatives advanced its state fiscal year 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget recommendations during the week of May 5. Importantly, the chamber’s budget recommendation continues vital …

MHA EventsMHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Deadline Approaching

The registration deadline is May 24 for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 26 through 28 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The MHA Annual Membership Meeting is an opportunity to learn, network and …

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Preparedness and Resources

News of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1, commonly referred to as bird flu, is spreading across the country with concerns for animal-to-human transmission. The MHA and its partners are monitoring the situation closely with …

Registration Open for Caregiver Engagement Webinar

The MHA Keystone Center is hosting the Identifying and Engaging Family Caregivers Webinar at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 6. The event, facilitated by RUSH University’s Center for Excellence in Aging, is free to MHA members. …

 

MHA EventsMHA and CyberForce|Q In-Person Cybersecurity Workshop

The MHA is partnering with Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q to offer the in-person workshop Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop from 9:00 a.m. to noon, May 22 at the MHA headquarters …

MHA EventsPublic Relations Professionals Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

The 2024 MHA Communications Retreat brought together nearly 100 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from MHA-member facilities May 7 to network and learn from peers across the state. Topics on the agenda included artificial …

MHA Hosts Successful Virtual Care Models Webinar

The MHA hosted nearly 100 healthcare staff in patient experience, nursing, quality and human resources roles May 2 during the webinar Virtual Care Models that Improve Engagement and Support Staff. Representatives from Henry Ford Health …

The Keckley Report

Is the Health System the Next Target for Campus Unrest?

“In my 4Q 2023 Keckley Poll, distinctions between the views of the college-age population and older adults about the health system were surprising: though college age adults use the health system less than others, they share a widespread belief it’s flawed and in need of fundamental change. They believe the profit in healthcare is more important than its caring and they’re open to government policies that might rein in its corporatization. …

The U.S. system is an unlikely target for campus unrest today but a likely target tomorrow. College student interaction with the health system is episodic: student health is a backstop for their bouts with depression, substance abuse, STIs, chronic conditions and accidents. Insurance and payment are concerns, and impressions from childhood household circumstances flavor their impressions of how the system operates. But what they’re seeing is key: the most heralded organizations in healthcare are associated with their size, financial success and the personal wealth of their executives. In college circles, Wall Street success seems more important than Main Street authenticity, transparency, environmental consciousness, fairness and humility. Like the majority of Americans, their views about the health system are anecdotal and regretfully negative. …”

Paul Keckley, May 6, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Managed Care Advisory Group, Inc. provided an update on the Visa Mastercard class action settlement.
  • The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Michigan Regional Perinatal Quality Collaborative to offer an additional networking opportunity for members attending the Michigan Maternal & Infant Health Summit.
  • In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the MHA Keystone Center developed a series of online learning modules for infection control and prevention education.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) issued a press release May 9 highlighting her introduction of the Stop Nurse Shortages Act that included a quote of support from MHA CEO Brian Peters. The bipartisan bill, introduced …