Tag: AHA

MHA Monday Report April 1, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Washington DC capitol buildingMHA Comments on SUSTAIN 340B Discussion

The MHA submitted comments to U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Thune (R-SD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) on proposed changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The discussion draft …

Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program Available

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the upcoming Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program, offering up to $300,000 per award to repay educational debt. This program is offered as part of …

National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey: Response Requested

The CDC issued a National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey invitation to all U.S. blood collection centers and acute care hospitals that perform a minimum of 100 inpatient surgical procedures annually. The survey aims …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Importance of Children’s Health

The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines the array of challenges children are facing and the responsibility to help children reach their potential. Hospital strategic plans …

MHA Podcast Explores Important Role Hospitals Play in Public Health

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast during National Public Health Week to explore how hospitals are engaged in public health. Featured guests include Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and senior vice …

MHA Rounds graphic with Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage

So began a letter dated March 10 from Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), referencing what is emerging as one of the most extensive and impactful cyberattacks in U.S. history. …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyIs Private Equity the Solution or the Problem in Healthcare?

“Of late, private equity investors in healthcare services have faced intense criticism that their business practices have compromised patient safety and raised costs for consumers. March 5, the FTC, DOJ and HHS announced the launch of an investigation into the inner workings of PE in healthcare. It comes on the heels of U.S. Senate investigations in their Finance, HELP and Budget Committees to explore legislative levers they might pull to address their growing concerns about affordability, competition and accountability in the industry. …

PE is part of healthcare’s solution to its poorly structured, perpetually inadequate and mal-distributed funding. But creating a level playing field through meaningful regulatory reform is necessary first. …”

Paul Keckley, March 25, 2024

News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the 2024 MHA Graduate Medical Education Capitol Day, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center.
  • Registration is open for the 2024 Michigan Maternal Infant Health Summit scheduled June 17-18 at the Lansing Center.

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Importance of Children’s Health

Member News

The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines the array of challenges children are facing and the responsibility to help children reach their potential.

Hospital strategic plans should include both improving clinical results in children’s health and addressing health disparities such as socio-economic conditions and racial inequities, so children experience better health within their communities. The article also highlight examples of key partnerships and initiatives to support children and families and considerations for gun violence and behavioral health.

A Trustee Trends in 2024 is included in this edition which provides more in-depth information about artificial intelligence and quality improvement and ways to assess readiness.

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

MHA Monday Report March 25, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Registration Open for Webinar on Virtual Care Models

Registration is open for the MHA webinar, Virtual Care Models that Improve Engagement and Support Staff, scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. May 2. Attendees will learn from experts and peers about how hospitals and …

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 29

Nominations are being accepted for the annual MHA Healthcare Leadership Award, which honors those who have demonstrated outstanding healthcare leadership within individual facilities and in their communities. The deadline to nominate an exceptional healthcare trustee, …

Updates on Medicare Advantage Enrollment in Michigan

The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicare enrollment data to reflect Medicare enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split for Medicare between traditional fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage. …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyIt’s time to Repair the Affordable Care Act

This Saturday marks the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act passage. It is arguably the most consequential healthcare legislation since passage of the Medicare and Medicaid Act in 1965. …

So, at best, the ACA moved needles in each of the three but its effectiveness is a mixed bag. Nonetheless, it has survived 7 Supreme Court challenges and more than 70 Repeal votes in Congress and is now a permanent fixture in healthcare’s regulatory framework. Hanging chads aside, it is here to stay.

The need for ACA 2.0 is apparent and urgent. The motivation to initiate the process is uncertain: tribalism in U.S. healthcare, where near-term advantage takes precedent over long-term solutions by many organizations, is the rule, not the exception.

What’s needed is a coalition committed first and foremost to the long-term future of the health system: it doesn’t exist today.”

Paul Keckley, March 18, 2024

News to Know

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2025 Foster G. McGaw Prize.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage since March 15 on efforts to reform the state’s auto no-fault insurance system as well as the future for healthcare teams. The Detroit News published an article March 17 describing …

MHA Monday Report Feb. 19, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Workforce and Innovation Addressed by MHASC Board and HR Council

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused its Feb. 7 meeting on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support and innovation, viability, behavioral health improvement, health equity and more. The board …

Registration Open for 2024 Communications Retreat

Registration is open for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. The daylong event is geared toward the …

Online Learning Modules Created to Support Health Equity Programming

The MHA Keystone Center recently published an online learning module series to support hospitals and health systems in establishing and maintaining a health equity program compliant with new requirements from The Joint Commission and …

New CPT Codes for RSV Vaccine Administration

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services added two new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for administration of monoclonal antibodies (Nirsevimab) for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for dates of service on and after Oct. …

Act Fast: Register for 2024 MHA HR Conference

Registration is open for the 2024 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 5, 2024 at the ACH Hotel Marriott University Area, Lansing. Attending the conference provides human resource (HR) professionals with an opportunity …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Highlights AI Controversies and Philanthropic Strategy

The February edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes articles on artificial intelligence (AI) and philanthropy. There is no question that artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform healthcare. It …

The Keckley Report

Two Lawsuits. Two Issues. One Clear Message.Paul Keckley

“Last Monday, two lawsuits were filed that strike at a fundamental challenge facing the U.S. health system …

The issue is this: is a health system’s liable when its consolidation activities result in higher prices for services provided communities and employers in communities where they operate? Is there a direct causal relationship between a system’s consolidation activities and their prices, and how should alleged harm be measured and remedied? …

Healthcare organizations and their trade groups can no longer defend against lack of transparency by defaulting to the complexity of our supply chains and payment systems. They’re excuses. The realities of generative AI and interoperability assure information driven healthcare that’s publicly accessible and inclusive of prices, costs, outcomes and business practices. In the process, the public’s interest will heighten and lawsuits will increase. …”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 12, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Feb. 19 in honor of President’s Day.
  • The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program March 13-15 and May 1-2.
  • The AHA’s Institute for Diversity and Health Equity recently launched their 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey.

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Highlights AI Controversies and Philanthropic Strategy

Member News

The February edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes articles on artificial intelligence (AI) and philanthropy.

There is no question that artificial intelligence will fundamentally transform healthcare. It is important for hospital or health system leaders to develop a definition and practical model for AI so the governing board is in a better position to make strategic decisions amidst many potential products and applications. The article outlines a working definition of AI, its components and controversies trustees will encounter.

Because hospitals and health systems are grappling with a prolonged period of financial vulnerability, leaders should actively explore alternative revenue sources, like philanthropy, as a pivotal opportunity. The article highlights clear levers to link philanthropy and strategy.

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

MHA Monday Report Jan. 29, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Senate Health Policy Chair Presents to Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met Jan. 24 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-Saint …

Register for the MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of …

MHA CEO Brian Peters on JR' Morning with Guy Gordon, Jamie Edmonds and LLoyd Jackson.

Peters Featured on WJR Live from Lansing Broadcast

MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on Detroit’s WJR 760 AM’s JR’ Morning with Guy Gordon, Jamie Edmonds, and Lloyd Jackson’s “Live from Lansing” broadcast Jan. 25 as part of the station’s annual coverage of legislative …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines the Board’s Role in Safety and Workforce

The January edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes articles on quality, safety and workforce. As healthcare becomes more complex, boards struggle to effectively oversee quality, and the …

Three Key Takeaways from Michigan’s Social Determinants of Health Summit

In my role as Maternal Infant Health Policy Specialist at the MHA, one of my main goals has been to utilize my expertise to inspire health equity for marginalized birthing persons and their children and to build relationships that strengthen my impact and purpose. Attending the second annual …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Holy War between Health Insurers and Hospitals: Intensifying but No End in Sight

“Last Wednesday, FTI released its year-end 2023 summary of insurer-hospital disputes: it reported a 69% increase from 2022 in conflicts where formal negotiations broke down reached based on media coverage in 34 states. The majority of the 86 instances involved Medicare Advantage coverage or reimbursement issues and referral relationships with doctors and hospitals were disrupted, at least temporarily. …

The challenges facing the health system—accessibility, affordability, effectiveness– cut across every sector. They’ll not be solved by one acting alone. And sacred cows protected by both will need to be slaughtered to create the better new normal desired by a significant majority of taxpayers and elected officials. …”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 22, 2024

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines the Board’s Role in Safety and Workforce

Member News

The January edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes articles on quality, safety and workforce. As healthcare becomes more complex, boards struggle to effectively oversee quality, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are scrutinizing boards. CMS cited a hospital in 2023 for lack of oversight of patient adverse events. The newsletter outlines a six-step quality and safety framework clarifying the board’s roles, responsibilities and actions.

The AHA’s 2024 Health Care Workforce Scan is also available through the newsletter. The Health Care Workforce Scan provides the latest reports, studies and other data sources on workforce, a snapshot of America’s health care employment, and insights and practical recommendations to guide organizations forward.

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

MHA Monday Report Dec. 18, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MDHHS Expands Medicaid Coverage to Include CHW Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced an expansion of Medicaid coverage effective Jan. 1, 2024 to include community health worker (CHW) services. The MDHHS also issued a final policy establishing …

Hospital-based Substance Use Disorder Consultation Reimbursement Coverage

Physicians and other qualified practitioners will be reimbursed for substance use disorder (SUD) consultations in the inpatient hospital or emergency department setting effective Jan. 1, 2024. These services include assessment, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of individuals during …

Coverage of Office-based Substance Use Treatment Services

Primary healthcare providers will be reimbursed for substance use disorder (SUD) treatments that are provided in an office-based primary care setting effective Jan. 1, 2024. This applies to providers who do not have a specialty SUD benefit services contract with a Prepaid .…

Guide and Action Plan Created to Support Health Equity Programming

As strides are made to address inequities and disparities in healthcare, governing and regulatory bodies including The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have created guidelines, benchmarks and policies that evolve over time. The MHA Keystone …

Enrollment Deadline Friday for MHA Governance Affinity Group

The deadline to enroll a trustee in the new MHA Governance Affinity Group is Friday, Dec. 22. The benefits of a well-run meeting go beyond parliamentary procedure. Proper communication and facilitation skills needed to make decisions about strategic issues drive performance and .…

Hospital Vaccine Resources Available

The MHA is at the forefront of advocating for vaccination awareness and education, particularly focusing on the challenges associated with the Beyfortus (nirsevimab) monoclonal antibody for infants entering their first respiratory syncytial virus season. The association is …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines the Board’s Role in Patient Experience

The December edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes an article on the board’s role in patient experience. The average hospital has turned over 105% of its workforce in the last five years and national …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Affordable Care Act is Back on Stage: What to Expect

“In the last 2 weeks, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been inserted itself in Campaign 2024 by Republican aspirants for the White House …

It’s no surprise. Health costs and affordability rank behind the economy as top issues for Republican voters per the latest Kaiser Tracking Poll. And distaste with the status quo is widespread and bipartisan: per the Keckley Poll (October 2023), 70% of Americans including majorities in both parties and age-cohorts under 65 think “the system is fundamentally flawed and needs major change.” To GOP voters, the ACA is to blame. …

The ACA is back on the radar in U.S. healthcare. Stay tuned.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 10, 2023

News to Know

  • Clarence RuckerClarence Rucker, manager, patient safety and quality, MHA Keystone Center, is featured in COLOR Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Powerlist.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 8.

 

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Dec. 11 related to post-secondary nurse degree programs and telehealth.

MHA Monday Report Sept. 25, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingActive Fall Committee Work Continues in Legislature

Several MHA-tracked bills received testimony and votes the week of Sept. 18 as the state legislature continues its fall calendar. The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony and voted on the Reproductive Health Act bills. …

Gov. Whitmer Announces Grant Recipients for Enhanced Mental Health Support

As part of Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to ensuring access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded more than $900,000 to five Community Mental Health Service Programs. The …

MDHHS Launches Maternal Mortality Surveillance Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched their Maternal Mortality Surveillance program, which is dedicated to preventing pregnancy-related deaths. The Hear Her Michigan Campaign focuses on empowering women and their support …

Transferring Telephone Prior Authorizations

Effective Oct. 1, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will transition the telephone prior authorization process from Admissions and Certification Review to the MDHHS Program Review Division. This applies for the …

Webinar: Learn How to Utilize Physician Talent on Governing Boards

As healthcare leaders cope with turbulent times, it’s essential to have physician board members assist with decision-making on things like action prioritization, merger and acquisition activity and social determinants of health. The webinar Maximizing Contributions …

MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council Work Continues

Approximately 25 hospital and health system members convened for the first MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council meeting of the 2023-2024 MHA program year. Members discussed action items and goals, including advancing the …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Financial Growth

The September edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes a study of financial well-being and the need to shift from a transaction-first mindset to a human-centric mindset focused on …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe UAW Strike: What Healthcare Provider Organizations Should Watch

“Politicians, economists, auto industry analysts and main street business owners are closely watching the UAW strike that began at midnight last Thursday. Healthcare should also pay attention, especially hospitals. medical groups and facility operators where workforce issues are mounting. …

Nonetheless, the parallels between the current state of worker sentiment in the U.S. auto manufacturing and healthcare services sectors are instructive. Auto and healthcare workers want job security and higher pay, believing their company executives and boards but corporate profit above their interests and all else. And polls suggest the public’s increasingly sympathetic to worker issues and strikes like the UAW more frequent. …”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 18, 2023

News to Know

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Financial Growth

Member News

The September edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes a study of financial well-being and the need to shift from a  transaction-first mindset to a human-centric mindset focused on providing people the care they need for a sustainable future.

As hospitals and health systems focus on workforce restoration, boards are challenged with shifting their mindset – this article outlines what to focus on. Another article explores the deeper meaning behind the “independence pledge,” outlining a range of affiliation options and how they might be considered.

Members seeking more information about MHA trustee resources or webinars may contact Erin Steward at the MHA.