Tag: AHA

MHA Monday Report Sept. 23, 2024

Monday Report

Speak up awardMcLaren Port Huron Nurse Receives MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center celebrated Melissa Burgess, RN at McLaren Port Huron Hospital as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient in September. The quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! …

Final Rules Strengthen Access to Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Benefits

The United States Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued a set of final rules Sept. 9 on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. The rulings …

Upcoming MDHHS Maternal Health Offerings

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Maternal and Infant Health is partnering with the Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative yo offer its Statewide Maternal and Infant Health Data Meeting from 4 to 6 …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Explores AI in Healthcare, Workplace Equity and Community Partnerships

The September edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines how artificial intelligence (AI) will change healthcare operations and how trustees can provide meaningful leadership and guidance. The issue …

Keckley Report

The Four Core Beliefs of Hospital-Employed Physicians

“In my report June 10, I wrote: “The major sources of physician discontent are administrative hassles and unwelcome clinical oversight that create dissonance. They conflict with a false sense of autonomy that the majority of physicians imagined when choosing medicine. Cuts to reimbursement, participation in alternative payment models and medical inflation are manifestations of a system in which ‘suits’ are intruders who make rules, exact handsome salaries, generate corporate profits and distance physicians from patient care purposely… “

This assessment remains true today. Discontent among physicians is palpable and it’s magnified by a growing sense of financial despair among many clinicians. And it poses a unique challenge to hospitals that now employ more than half of America’s physician workforce. …

The core beliefs held by employed physicians about their hospitals may not be fair, objective or accurate, but they’re no less deeply felt and impactful. Hospital boards and C suite leaders would be well-served to refresh plans accordingly.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 16, 2024

Laura AppelMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Sept. 16 regarding Michigan healthcare careers and what’s next for digital health. Second Wave Michigan published a story Sept. 17 on healthcare careers and the existing healthcare …

 

 

 

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Explores AI in Healthcare, Workplace Equity and Community Partnerships

Member News

The September edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines how artificial intelligence (AI) will change healthcare operations and how trustees can provide meaningful leadership and guidance.

The issue explores how AI can be used in strategic planning, incorporated into culture and used for clinical improvement and organizational performance. It also explains how partners play a critical role in prioritizing justice and inclusivity in patient care, quality and experience.

Lastly, the package provides key questions that board members should consider on equitable access, workplace equity and leveraging AI implementation.

For information about MHA trustee resources or webinars, contact Erin Steward 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 July 1, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Holds Final Meeting of Program Year

The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2023-2024 program year on Mackinac Island in conjunction with the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. At the meeting, the board recognized the success of the …

2025 State Budget Supports Key Healthcare Priorities

The Michigan Legislature approved the fiscal year 2025 state budget the week of June 24 which the governor is expected to sign into law next month. The budget proposal fully funds the Michigan Medicaid …

Health & Hospital Association Elects 2024-2025 Officers and Board Members

Members of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) elected new officers and appointed board members during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 26. Officers of the 2024-2025 MHA Board of Trustees include Julie Yaroch, …

Sen. Anthony and Rep. Witwer

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 27, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The …

Dr. Loren Hamel speaks at the 2018 MHA Annual Meeting.

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Dr. Hamel

The MHA announced the 2024 winner of its highest achievement award June 27 during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. Receiving the award for his decades of healthcare leadership is Loren Hamel, MD, president, Corewell Health …

Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

The MHA announced the winners of its 2024 Healthcare Leadership Award June 27 during its Annual Membership Meeting. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional leadership to healthcare organizations and to …

Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs

The MHA announced the winners of its 2024 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 27. The honorees include programs supported by Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak; Insight Surgical …

Ascension St. John Hospital Receives MHA Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA announced the winner of its 2024 Advancing Safe Care Award June 27, honoring the dedicated team at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit. The award was announced during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. …

Favorable Federal Court Ruling Allows Hospitals to Continue to Offer Unaltered Public Websites

A United States District Court Judge in Texas issued a ruling June 20 on recent Department of Health and Human Services bulletins that restrict healthcare providers from using standard third-party web technologies that partially …

The Keckley Report

The CBO Health Insurance Status Report: Four Reasons it’s Overly Optimistic

“A close reading of this report suggests its forecast might be overly optimistic. it paints a best-case picture of health insurance coverage that under-estimates the realities of household economics and marketplace trends and over-estimates the value proposition promoted by health insurers to their customers. My conclusion is based on four trends that suggest coverage might slip more than the report suggests …

Thus, no one knows for sure what coverage will be in 2034 as presented in the CBO report. Its analysis appropriately considers medical inflation, population growth and an incremental shift to value-based purchasing in healthcare, but it fails to accommodate highly relevant changes in the capital markets, corporate insurer shareholder interests and voter sentiment.”

Paul Keckley, June 24, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled July 4 and 5 in honor of Independence Day.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published July 8 and will resume its normal schedule July 15.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner ProCredEx will host a free 30-minute webinar for members on July 8 to discuss AI-Assisted Document Transform.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 24 that includes coverage on cybersecurity, market consolidation, 340B and the fiscal year 2025 state budget. MLive published an article June 26 looking at the reason healthcare is the top target for cyberattacks.  …

Favorable Federal Court Ruling Allows Hospitals to Continue to Offer Unaltered Public Websites

Member News

A United States District Court Judge in Texas issued a ruling June 20 on recent Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) bulletins that restrict healthcare providers from using standard third-party web technologies that partially capture IP addresses on public-facing webpages.

This ruling was in favor of the American Hospital Association (AHA), Texas Hospital Association (THA) and hospital plaintiffs. The AHA and THA sued the HHS Office for Civil Rights, claiming that the bulletins did not follow proper rulemaking processes because no notice-and-comment opportunity was provided. Additionally, the prohibited activity would negatively affect providers who use common web technology to communicate reliable, accurate health information to the general public.

This favorable ruling, which the MHA and many other state hospital associations supported with a joint amicus brief, means that hospitals do not need to alter or discontinue their public-facing websites to comply with the rule and subsequent bulletins issued by the HHS-OCR limiting such technologies.

Members with questions may contact Amy Barkholz at the MHA.

Cybersecurity Resources Available to Assist Rural Hospitals

Member News

The White House announced collaborative efforts June 10 aimed at strengthening cybersecurity for rural hospitals across the United States. Through this collaboration, Microsoft and Google announced a series of initiatives to provide free or discounted cybersecurity services.

Microsoft is extending its nonprofit program to offer grants and up to a 75% discount on security products tailored for smaller organizations, such as independent Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals. Larger rural hospitals already using eligible Microsoft solutions will receive the most advanced security suite at no additional cost for one year. Additionally, Microsoft will provide free cybersecurity assessments and training to frontline and IT staff in eligible rural hospitals. Microsoft will also extend security updates for Windows 10 to participating hospitals for one year at no cost.

Google will provide rural hospitals and non-profit organizations with endpoint security advice at no cost, along with funding to support software migration. Furthermore, Google will launch a pilot program with rural hospitals to develop customized security capabilities tailored to their unique needs. More information on these programs is forthcoming.

The American Hospital Association released a special bulletin June 10 summarizing these efforts.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.