Tag: AHA

Prioritizing a Culture of Safety — For Everyone in Healthcare

Member News, MHA Rounds

Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA

The MHA proudly affirms our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients AND healthcare workers. Which is why we are diligently working to address the alarming rise in violence against healthcare workers and continue to advocate for federal legislation to make assaulting a healthcare worker a federal crime.

As the chief nursing officer for the association, I have the privilege of overseeing the MHA Keystone Center, the safety and quality arm of the association. In addition to supporting MHA’s advocacy on healthcare worker safety, the Keystone Center is a founding partner of Lawrence Technological University’s Healthcare Violence Reduction Center (HVAC). The HVAC is conducting critical, multidisciplinary research to develop innovative solutions to reduce violence against healthcare workers. We’ve also partnered with MHA Endorsed Business Partner, Tarian to offer resources that address violence.

These efforts are more urgent than ever considering new data from the American Hospital Association. Their recent report, The Burden of Violence to U.S. Hospitals, found that hospitals incurred an estimated $18.27 billion in costs related to violence in 2023 alone. Beyond the financial implications, the report also highlights the significant challenges in staff recruitment and retention and the psychological toll on healthcare workers.

Promoting a culture of safety means more than protecting patients – it means protecting those who care for them. We must not only condemn violence against healthcare workers, but also ensure that our workforce strategies and budgets prioritize protecting those who care for others.

Please join me in recognizing the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence Day by participating in the online dialogue about how hospitals are addressing violence in healthcare settings. Use the hashtag #HAVhope to share your voice.

Together, we can create a culture where safety is universal.

Language, Trust and Care: Reflections from the AHA Behavioral Health Workshop

Member News, MHA Rounds

Byline: Lenise Freeman, Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow

I had the opportunity to attend at the end of April a Behavioral Health Workshop in New Orleans hosted by the American Hospital Association. This interactive event brought together hospital leaders, clinical teams and behavioral health professionals to co-design care strategies that improve outcomes, particularly for individuals managing mental health and substance use conditions.

The workshop focused on person-centered care, with the clear message of how we communicate with patients is just as important as the services we deliver. In one session, we discussed “how might we” questions, such as how to align care with patients’ language needs and how to involve families and caregivers in treatment planning.

We explored practical solutions like hiring staff who speak multiple languages, giving patients the option to search for providers based on language and adding visual tools and multilingual signage to clinical spaces. Among the discussion, the value of training teams to use clear, respectful language and to be mindful of different communication preferences from patients was highlighted.

One message that stood out to me was how often communication gaps point to broader challenges in the healthcare system. When patients don’t have access to language support or feel uncomfortable speaking up, it becomes harder to build trust and deliver effective care. Attendees raised long-standing issues such as staffing shortages, outdated licensing rules and underdeveloped data systems.

There was a shared urgency to address these concerns. Participants emphasized the need for national standards on language access, better career pathways for multilingual professionals and increased resources for staff training. Many also talked about the importance of building stronger relationships between providers and the communities they serve.

This discussion reminded me of Michigan hospitals’ commitment to prioritizing the patient voice. Across the state, hospitals continue to invest in patient advocacy and support services. The MHA has worked with several organizations through its Endorsed Business Partner Program to connect members with solutions that improve access to care, including tools and resources for language services.

My biggest takeaway is that thoughtful care requires intention at every level. From how we design spaces and prepare staff to how we listen and respond to patient feedback, every detail matters.

This workshop was a meaningful reminder that improving behavioral healthcare starts with listening and that progress is possible when we commit to clear, consistent action.

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines the Value of Nursing Board Leadership and Compliance Duties

Member News

The April edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights the podcasts, videos, webinar and other resources available on today’s most pressing healthcare issues. National Nurses Week honors the contribution and dedication of nurses from May 6 through 12 and board service offers nurses an opportunity to apply their expertise to shape patient care at a governance level. This edition shares the stories of three female leaders who have proven the value of having nurses at the board table to bring perspective, elevate the voice of patients, families and staff, and serve as a translator for the lay-person board member on quality, safety and workforce issues.

Another featured article explores the board’s role in compliance oversight. Board members should have an understanding on the various government agencies charged with enforcing laws, and to apply that understanding to take reasonable, good faith steps to ensure that the compliance program is effective, meaning one that identifies and mitigates risk.

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

Updated Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

Member News

The MHA recently updated a toolkit of communications resources to support hospitals in advocating against potential Medicaid funding cuts in their local communities.

The toolkit includes:

Michigan hospitals are encouraged to use these tools to express the importance of Medicaid and the value it provides to the entire community. Members are also reminded to share the MHA’s Medicaid action alert within their organizations to share the value of the program with Michigan’s Congressional delegation.

In addition, the American Hospital Association has several resources available, including an infographic that demonstrates the national impact of potential Medicaid cuts, as well as fact sheets on Medicaid provider taxes and Medicaid hospital payment basics.

Efforts at the local level will complement MHA activities in both Washington, D.C. and statewide to publicly raise the awareness of the importance of Medicaid.

Members with questions regarding Medicaid communication materials may contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

News to Know – April 14, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowKara Heck, MHA, BSN, RN-BC, CCRN, chair of the MHA Safety & Quality Committee, shares a testimonial encouraging healthcare leaders to attend the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, taking place April 28–29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel in East Lansing.Members are encouraged to register by the April 18 deadline. The symposium offers continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, and social workers. For more information, contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.
  • 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. 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.

News to Know – March 31, 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.
  • 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. 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.

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.

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Trends for Industry and Governance

Member News

The January edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights the podcasts, videos, webinar and other resources available on today’s most pressing issues. The AHA released its 2025 Environmental Scan, which contains data, surveys, trends, thought leadership and educational resources, illustrating some of the top issues facing healthcare.

James Liggins, JD, chair of the 2025 AHA Committee on Governance and board chair for the Bronson Healthcare system in southwest Michigan, speaks about areas of focus for governing boards, including artificial intelligence, health equity and health disparity data collection to support community health improvement. Another article outlines why it is important healthcare trustees craft meaningful ways to address burnout and solutions to addressing burnout in the work environment.

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

MHA Monday Report Nov. 18, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

Advocacy image tileWorkforce Bills Highlight Healthcare Legislation Advanced in the State Legislature

Several workforce bills highlighted the healthcare legislation that advanced in the state legislature during the week of Nov. 11. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senate Bills (SBs) 406 and 407, led by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). The bills provide …

MHA Board of Trustees Considers Election Impact and Association Priorities

The MHA Board of Trustees began its Nov. 13 meeting with a review of the results from the federal election and its potential impact on key association priorities, led by Carlos Jackson and Mike Goodman with Washington D.C.-based Cornerstone Government …

CMS Releases 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a issued a final rule to update the physician fee schedule payment system effective Jan. 1, 2025. The rule will: Reduce the PFS conversion …

MDHHS Shares 2022 Maternal and Infant Health Statistics

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Section recently led a webinar on 2022 maternal and infant health statistics for the state. Infant mortality refers to the death …

Enrollment Open for 2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy

The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program in February and April 2025, with sessions at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two power-packed …

Medical SolutionsBuilding a Culture of Retention

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions recently released an episode of their “Staffing Unplugged” podcast, featuring Chief Human Resources Officer Rich Thompson sharing insights on the critical role of culture in healthcare staffing. He …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Post-Merger Board Restructuring

The November edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes CEO insights about the integration of two major health systems which resulted in stronger governance. The article explains the …

What’s Top of Mind in Rural Healthcare?

Peter Marinoff, president and CEO, Munson Healthcare’s Southern Region and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair

The following article was written by Peter Marinoff, president and CEO, Munson Healthcare’s Southern Region and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair. National Rural Health Day celebrates the remarkable efforts of hospitals, healthcare teams, …

Keckley Report

The Four Core Pillars of Trump Healthcare 2.0

“While speculation swirls around key cabinet appointments in the incoming Trump administration, much is being written about how things might change for industries and the companies that compose them. Healthcare is no exception.

Speculation about possible changes originates from media coverage, healthcare trade associations, law firms, consultancies, think tanks and academics. Their views are primarily based on Trump Healthcare 1.0 initiatives (2017-2021), presumed Trump 2.0 leverage in the U.S. Senate, House and conservative Supreme Court and a belief by the Trump-team leaders that their mandate is to lower costs for “everyday Americans” and tighten border security.

Thus, Trump Healthcare 2.0 policy changes will be extensive, leveraging legislation, executive orders, agency administrative actions, court decisions and appropriations processes to reset the U.S. health system.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 11, 2024

News to Know

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the 2025 Medicare Part A and B Premiums and Deductibles, with details available in the CMS Fact Sheet.
  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has increased reimbursement rates for Behavioral Health Treatment – Applied Behavior Analysis services to improve autism treatment access for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Baxter IV Solutions Shortage Updates

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 announced it is increasing allocation levels of its highest demand IV fluids for direct customers and distributors to 60%, effective Oct. 9. Baxter is also increasing allocation levels for high-concentration dextrose and sterile water and expects to make additional increases for certain products by early November.

The FDA issued a release Oct. 9 sharing information on temporary importation sources to help mitigate shortages for specific products. The release contains information on 19 products, with imports from Canada, China, Ireland and the UK.

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.