MHA Keystone Board Reviews Workplace Violence Prevention and Maternal Health Efforts

The MHA Keystone Board of Directors met Nov. 12 to review ongoing work to improve safety and quality across member organizations. The meeting opened with a connect-to-purpose story shared by Keystone Board Chair Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN, CENP, vice president of nursing operations, Henry Ford Health, which reinforced Keystone’s focus on preventing workplace violence.

The board discussed strategies to address violence in healthcare settings, including clinics and off-site locations. Members reviewed efforts to strengthen policies, training and coordinated approaches that support safer environments for healthcare workers. The discussion emphasized that workplace violence affects staff well-being, patient safety and overall organizational performance.

The board also reviewed maternal health priorities, including the MI AIM program and the framework for maternal levels of care. The overview highlighted how levels of care categorize facilities based on their ability to provide specialized maternal services, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their clinical needs.

The board will receive a detailed presentation on Keystone initiatives related to maternal health at a future meeting. The presentation will outline opportunities for board support in advancing work to improve maternal and infant care.

The meeting reaffirmed Keystone’s commitment to addressing critical safety and quality issues through collaborative leadership and continuous improvement.

Members with questions may contact Amy Brown at the MHA.

News to Know – Nov. 10, 2025

New to Know
  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
  • The MHA will host a virtual member forum from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 to outline the MHA 2025-26 Strategic Action Plan approved by the MHA Board of Trustees. The member webinar will share the elements of this year’s plan and help members learn effective ways to connect with thought leaders in their community to support hospitals and healthcare providers in these challenging times. There is no cost to attend, but members are asked to register by Nov. 5. Access information for the virtual session will be sent Nov. 6. Questions about the member forum can be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, MHA, recently joined MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) AMN Healthcare on the episode “Empowering Nurses Through Advocacy and Innovation” of the Elevate Care Podcast. Brown shared details on her extensive journey in nursing, from her experiences as a chief nursing officer during the pandemic to her current role at the MHA. She discusses the critical issues of workplace violence, improving maternal health quality, empowering nurses to advocate for policy changes and the deep impact of potential healthcare funding cuts on rural areas. The conversation also explores the evolving role of technology in nursing and the importance of nurse engagement in advocacy at both local and federal levels. Members may contact Beth Kisielius, vice president of strategic partnerships at AMN Healthcare to learn more.
  • MHA EBP SunRx is continuing a webinar series about 340B Rebate Model Briefings on Nov 13 and Nov 20. Manufacturers will require complete rebate-ready data through Beacon and 340B ESP® on Jan. 1, 2026, and SunRx is working to engage leaders with updates. These events are intended exclusively for 340B entities. For more information, contact Dwayne Dodd, regional manager at SunRx.

MHA Monday Report June 23, 2025

Senate Health Policy Holds Testimony on Opioid Legislation

The Senate Health Policy Committee held testimony on legislation related to treating patients with opioid use disorders during the week of June 16. Collectively, Senate Bills 397–405 make numerous changes to improve coverage and access for Michiganders to receive …


MHA Shares Recent Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on May 2025 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …


Recording and Materials Available from Medicare Quality Based Program Webinars

The MHA recently partnered with DataGen to host two webinars focused on the three Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs. These programs, mandated by the Affordable Care Act of 2010, can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments …


MHA Guide to Behavioral Health Sites of Care Now Available

In an effort to help Michigan communities make informed decisions about where to seek behavioral healthcare services, the MHA has developed the Guide to Michigan’s Behavioral Healthcare Crisis Continuum. This material offers a broad overview of …


Michigan CNOs Convene at MHA Headquarters for Statewide Meeting

Chief nursing officers from across Michigan convened June 12 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos for a statewide, in-person meeting focused on healthcare policy, leadership and workforce safety. The meeting was led by Amy Brown, …


Latest AHA Trustee Insights Examines How Boards are Reimagining Workforce

The June edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital publication from the American Hospital Association, highlights how board members can support workforce planning and leverage innovation to strengthen healthcare delivery. One article outlines key questions …


Keckley Report

The May 2025 CPI Report: Good News, Bad News for Healthcare

“Last Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its Consumer Price Index Report for May, 2025: “The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis in May, after rising 0.2% in April. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 2.4% before seasonal adjustment.” …

The public’s appetite to slow health spending, expose prices and costs and address the system’s waste, fraud and abuse is strong and growing. It’s certain to figure prominently in Congress’ budget negotiations and increasingly in household spending decisions.

The CPI is a lag indicator. It does not foretell the health economy of the future. That’s the discussion that’s needed.”

Paul Keckley, June 16, 2025


News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner SUNRx is inviting 340B member hospitals to register for the Regional 340B Roundtable July 8 at Belterra Resort in Florence, IN.

 


MHA in the News

The Becker’s Healthcare Podcast published an episode June 16 that features MHA CEO Brian Peters joining host Scott Becker to discuss the current healthcare landscape and what the future looks like. Peters spent time discussing …

Michigan CNOs Convene at MHA Headquarters for Statewide Meeting

MHA Events

Chief nursing officers from across Michigan convened June 12 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos for a statewide, in-person meeting focused on healthcare policy, leadership and workforce safety.

The meeting was led by Amy Brown, chief nursing officer at the MHA, and provided an opportunity for fellowship, discussion and knowledge sharing among nursing leaders.

The agenda featured presentations from MHA staff Jason Jorkasky, senior vice president of health finance, and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director of government and political affairs. Jorkasky led a discussion on payment systems, regulations, and private payor trends, while Kutter provided updates on key policy developments at the state and federal levels.

With the meeting focused on workplace violence prevention, attendees heard from Brian Uridge, senior director, department of public safety and security, Michigan Medicine; and Jerry Dumond, director of public safety, chief of police authority, and K9, University of Michigan Health–Sparrow. Their insights supported a robust conversation on strategies to improve safety for healthcare workers.

The meeting concluded with remarks from Tim Johnsen, a nurse who reflected on his professional journey and the value of leadership in nursing, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose.

The MHA appreciates the continued engagement of Michigan’s nurse leaders and their commitment to improving care and safety for patients and staff.

Members with questions regarding CNO meetings may contact Amy Brown at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 9, 2025

Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation Introduced

Legislation to address violence against healthcare workers was introduced June 3 in the Michigan House of Representatives. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced House Bills 4532 – 4535 to address violence against healthcare workers …


MHA Provides Powerful Testimony on Federal Threats to Medicaid

The Senate Health Policy Committee held a nearly two-hour hearing June 4 on federal threats to Medicaid. The Senate Health Policy Committee heard from several healthcare stakeholders and members of the Protect MI Care Coalition …


MHA Testifies on Next of Kin Bills, Healthcare Legislation Advances

The MHA provided testimony to the House Judiciary Committee in support of next of kin care bills and healthcare legislation advanced during the week of June 2. House Bills 4418 – 4419, introduced by …


MHA Awards Peer Recovery Coach Grants

The MHA has granted funding to seven institutions to support the development or expansion of hospital-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs. The funding will support the addition of 18 new hospital-based PRCs and expand treatment options for …


MDHHS Releases ALS Administrative Rules

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new administrative rule requiring the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cases across the state. The rule took effect May 15, making Michigan the …


Prioritizing a Culture of Safety — For Everyone in Healthcare

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 …


MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity

I recently had the privilege of joining leaders from across the state to discuss the most pressing issues for Michiganders at the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. Because our member hospitals and health systems are not only critical providers of care, but also major economic drivers, …


Keckley Report

Is the Public Losing Confidence in Hospitals?

“On May 24, the House of Representatives passed One Big Budget Bill that now heads to the Senate for its version this week. The stakes for hospitals are high as the House version includes $700 billion (10-year) Medicaid cuts that adversely impact lower and working-class households and most hospitals. …

These findings suggest the public holds a somewhat negative view of hospitals, especially among younger adults. The majority of U.S. adults think hospitals are not addressing community needs adequately and spending too much on executive pay. But they think hospitals are ‘less quilty’ of making ‘too much money’ than insurers.

Is the public losing confidence in its hospitals? Yes, but more for some than others, and responding requires more than better marketing.”

Paul Keckley, June 2, 2025


New to KnowNews to Know

In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative & public policy, MHA, joined to provide insight on how Michigan continues to experience issues with timely access to behavioral health services.

Prioritizing a Culture of Safety — For Everyone in Healthcare

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.

MHA Monday Report May 12, 2025

Michigan Senate Hears MHA Testimony on ED Boarding Challenges, MHA Opposes Introduced MCPA Bill

The MHA provided testimony May 7 to the Senate Health Policy Committee on certain challenges related to hospital emergency department boarding for behavioral health patients. The Senate Health Policy Committee heard about patients facing behavioral …


Protect MI Care Coalition Partners Share Majority of Michiganders Oppose Medicaid Cuts

The MHA joined other Protect MI Care Coalition partners in releasing public polling results that show 83% of Michiganders want to see Medicaid spending increased or kept the same as Congress considers cutting hundreds of …


speak upBronson Battle Creek Hospital Nurse Honored with Q1 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center recognized Season Willi, RN at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient May 8. The Speak-up! Award honors individuals or …


MDHHS Enacts Blood Lead Testing Mandate for Young Children

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized administrative rules requiring blood lead testing for all children at 12 and 24 months of age, following legislation signed into law by Gov. Gretchen …


MHA Keystone Center PSO to Host Cybersecurity Safe Table

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) and MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q, will host a Safe Table event focused on adapting clinical risk management practices for cybersecurity. The session will be held from …


MDHHS Offers Loan Repayment to Expand Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

To help close critical gaps in opioid addiction treatment across Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering student loan repayment to eligible healthcare providers who begin or expand opioid use disorder …


MHA Keystone Center PSO Launches SAFER Webinar Series

The MHA Keystone Center PSO, in partnership with EisnerAmper, is launching a new webinar series focused on the 2025 Safety Assurance Factors for Electronic Health Record Resilience (SAFER) guidelines. The free series …


Applications for the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship Due in June

Applications will be accepted through June 27 for the 2025–2026 cohort of the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship. By participating, hospital board members will advance their skills and knowledge to elevate the organizations they serve. …


In the Middle of Nowhere and Everything: Why Our Community Hospital Matters

I live in a rural town—what I call the middle of nowhere, and everywhere. We’re miles from the nearest city, surrounded by open space instead of traffic. But out here, you learn to value what’s close. In the city, everything is nearby. …


Addressing Hurdles for Behavioral Health Patients Seeking Care in the ED

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring the need to expand the pre-admission screening assessment for behavioral health providers. Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative & public policy, MHA, joined …


MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Highlighting Hospitals

This month’s CEO Report is being filed from Washington, DC, where I am honored to join my colleagues from throughout our state and nation at the American Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting. On the agenda are …


Keckley Report

The Next 100 Days: What Healthcare Should Expect

The Trump administration is moving into its second 100 days facing conditions more problematic than its first 100. For healthcare, this period will define the industry’s near-term future as changes in three domains unfold:

  • The Economy: The economy is volatile and consumer confidence is waning. The impact of tariffs on U.S. prices remains an unknown and escalating tension between the Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, Pakistan and India are worrisome. Household debt is mounting as student loans, medical debt and housing costs imperil financial security for more than half of U.S. households. The 3 major stock indices remain in the red YTD, prospects for a recession are high and investors are increasingly cautious. Net impact on healthcare organizations and public programs: negative, especially those without strong balance sheets and access to affordable private capital.
  • The Courts: Recent opinions by the Supreme Court and District Courts suggest a willingness to challenge the administration’s Executive Orders on immigrant deportation and due process, threats and funding cuts aimed at law firms and universities considered “woke” and layoffs initiated by DOGE and more. Court challenges will slow the administration’s agenda and create uncertainty in workplaces. Net impact: negative. Uncertainty paralyses planning and operations in every public and private healthcare organization.
  • The Public Mood: The afterglow of the election has dissipated and the public’s mood has shifted from guarded optimism to anxiety and despair. The public’s uncertain about tariffs and worried about household expenses. Net impact: negative. Healthcare affordability and prices are major concerns to consumers: the majority (76%) think the system is more concerned about profitability than patient care (Jarrard).

The next 100 days will define the national agenda for the mid-term election in November 2026, reflect the solidarity of the MAGA movement and show the impact of tariffs on inflation, consumer prices and the public’s mood.

Healthcare leaders will be watching closely. All will be impacted.

Paul Keckley, May 5, 2025


New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Vault Verify, is offering a free webinar People, Process and Protection: Rethinking HR Data Strategy hosted by the Massachusetts Hospital Association from 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET May 13.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions, will host the free webinar Workforce Wellness: Effective Approaches to Foster Well-being and Retention in Healthcare from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 19.

MHA Monday Report May 5, 2025

Wellpath Supplemental Testimony Highlights Week of Advocacy Efforts

The MHA provided testimony April 30 to the House Appropriations Committee about healthcare services provided to prisoners by Michigan hospitals that have not been reimbursed by Wellpath, a third-party …


MHA Annual Membership Meeting Brings Opportunities for Learning and Connection

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 25 –27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual membership meeting is an opportunity to learn, network and celebrate …


Healthcare Leaders Convene for the Return of the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium

More than 100 healthcare professionals gathered April 28 and 29 in East Lansing for the return of the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium. Attendees included individuals across the continuum of care including quality, …


mha advancing safe care awardCorewell Health Suicide Care & Prevention Team Receives MHA Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA announced the winner of its 2025 Advancing Safe Care Award April 28, honoring Corewell Health’s suicide care and prevention team. The award was announced during the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium. …


Members Engage in PFE Webinar During Patient Experience Week

More than 50 patient experience, nurses and quality professionals participated in the MHA Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Improvement Sprint webinar Hospital Staffing and Structures Needed to Support and Coordinate PFE Activities during Patient Experience …


MI AIM Opens Applications for $25,000 Grant for Participating Birthing Hospitals

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) recently announced its partnership with United Healthcare to offer $25,000 to three birthing hospitals in Michigan to purchase equipment to support staff education. All Michigan …


The Five Things I Love Most About Nurses

In a few short days, I will celebrate one year as the inaugural chief nursing officer for the MHA. This position has given me the privilege of bringing together nurse leaders from across the state and country, …


Keckley Report

The 7 Issues Hospital Trustees worry About Most

“This Sunday, the American Hospital Association will convene for its Annual Meeting in DC featuring 50 speakers covering a wide range of topics. It comes at a precarious time for hospitals as Congress begins its budget reconciliation bill process that is expected to include a number of cuts to healthcare spending negatively impacting hospital finances directly. This week also marks the Trump Administration’s 100-day milestone which has seen its popularity decline and economic uncertainty mount. …

Transformational change in the U.S. health system is not contemplated by trustees because near-term survival requires their full attention. That’s a view reinforced by the hospital CEO and consistent with their admittedly limited understanding of the entire system. …

AHA and its Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare have successfully defended hospitals against unwelcome regulations and disruptive competitors. It has successfully reinforced antipathy toward health insurers and deflected criticism of its prices to forces outside its control i.e. labor costs, drug and supply chain costs, unnecessary regulation, under-payments by Medicare and Medicaid and more.”

Paul Keckley, April 28, 2025


New to KnowNews to Know

The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $2.5 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to hospital-based peer recovery coach services.


MHA in the News

The MHA was successful in placing several news stories during the week of April 28 related to potential federal Medicaid funding cuts. The Lansing State Journal published an op-ed from MHA CEO Brian Peters that …

The Five Things I Love Most About Nurses

Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA

In a few short days, I will celebrate one year as the inaugural chief nursing officer for the MHA. This position has given me the privilege of bringing together nurse leaders from across the state and country, gathering insights, sharing best practices and collaborating to drive meaningful change that advances care delivery.

When I visit with hospitals throughout Michigan, one constant remains true: nurses represent the essential foundation that supports our patients and communities. With this in mind, it seems fitting that the theme of National Nurses Week (May 6-12) focuses on recognizing the power of nurses as a driving force behind compassionate care, innovation and transformative changes in healthcare.

Before joining the MHA, I worked as a bedside nurse for six years and in hospital leadership for 16. As I reflect on my career, here are the top five things I love most about this workforce:

  1. Our authenticity: Nothing is off the table, whether you’re out to dinner with colleagues or interacting with patients and their families. Nurses keep it real.
  2. Our speed: Being a fast walker, a fast learner and a fast problem-solver is a must when it comes to this work.
  3. Our ability to connect: Nurses are required to get up close and personal. Because of this, we know how to reach others in a way that is meaningful and genuine.
  4. Our problem-solving skills: When you tell a nurse what you need, they will find a way to get the job done.
  5. Our resilience: Regardless of the hardship we’ve witnessed and endured, we continue to show up for our team, our patients and our communities every day.

I hope you’ll join me in thanking all the dedicated nurses across Michigan for their unwavering commitment to protecting our patients, enhancing care safety and quality and for the countless acts of kindness they perform that make a profound difference every day.

Medicaid Remains Focus of Healthcare News Coverage

The MHA was successful in placing several news stories during the week of April 28 related to potential federal Medicaid funding cuts.

The Lansing State Journal published an op-ed from MHA CEO Brian Peters that was shared as part of the MHA’s participation in the Protect MI Care coalition that is urging members of Congress to protect Medicaid. The op-ed expressed the importance of Medicaid to Michigan’s healthcare system and the consequences to access to care for all Michiganders if significant funding cuts are implemented.

“The effects would ripple far beyond those who rely on Medicaid — every hospital, mental health clinic and nursing home that depends on Medicaid funding would feel the impact,” said Peters. “When facilities close, it’s not just Medicaid patients who lose out — it’s everyone in the community, regardless of what kind of insurance they have.”

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel also sat down with WILX News 10 on April 30 to discuss the potential funding cuts and appeared in a story published by Bridge on May 1 about the impact to rural providers.

“When we close intensive care for newborns, when we close labor and delivery units, they are closing for everyone,” said Appel to Bridge.

In other news, Crain’s Detroit Business published an article April 30 committee testimony on legislation that would have Michigan join the nurse licensure compact. MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown testified in support of the legislation and is quoted in the article.

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

Appel also appeared on 760 WJR’s All Talk With Kevin Dietz on May 1 to discuss the compact.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.