Tag: behavioral health

House Judiciary Hears Testimony on Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation

Member News

Legislation addressing violence against healthcare workers heard testimony in the House Judiciary Committee during the week of June 1, while other MHA-backed bills saw action in the legislature.

House Bills (HB) 4532–4534, which aim to reduce violence against healthcare workers, were up for testimony in the House Judiciary Committee. The bills, sponsored by Reps. Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Phil Green (R-Watertown Township), strengthen penalties for individuals who engage in violent behavior toward staff and volunteers working in healthcare settings.

Carrie Mull, administrative director, inpatient clinical operations, Trinity Health, Grand Rapids, providing testimony for HB 4534.

Carrie Mull, administrative director, inpatient clinical operations, Trinity Health, Grand Rapids, testified on behalf of hospitals and healthcare providers, highlighting real-life examples of workplace violence and emphasizing that, if enacted, this legislation would improve the safety and well-being of healthcare workers and volunteers. In addition to strengthening penalties for violence against healthcare workers, the bills create an assisted outpatient treatment pathway for those who have engaged in violent behavior in a healthcare setting, but are also experiencing mental and behavioral health issues. By creating this alternative pathway, individuals experiencing behavioral health-related conditions can receive adequate care and support through a court-mediated process.

The Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate Bills (SBs) 973–978, led by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), which create a state-based health insurance exchange in Michigan. The bills would allow the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to apply to the federal government for a waiver to establish a state-based exchange and to maintain contracts with health plans for the exchange. The MHA currently supports SBs 973-978.

In addition, the House Health Policy Committee took testimony on HB 6022, sponsored by Rep. Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington). This legislation amends the Mental Health Code to allow contracted Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) to operate pre-admission screening units to evaluate individuals needing mental or behavioral health services. Currently, pre-admission screening units may only be operated by Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs). The bill requires CMHSPs to complete a pre-admission screening assessment for Medicaid beneficiaries seeking mental or behavioral health services within three hours. If the CMHSP or MHP does not complete the assessment within that timeframe, clinically qualified hospital personnel may complete the screening.

This provision was recommended by the MHA Behavioral Health Integration Council. The MHA developed an infographic for lawmakers that illustrates the challenges Medicaid beneficiaries face when presenting to emergency departments (EDs) during a behavioral health crisis. This legislation seeks to improve access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries and decrease ED boarding times.  The MHA supports this legislation and looks forward to further action by the legislature.

The committee also voted in support of HBs 4864–4865, which would change the definition of elevated blood lead levels for lead abatement purposes and require testing baby food for heavy metals before distribution, respectively. These bills are focused on preventing adverse health outcomes in children from lead or other toxic element poisoning. Also, the House Insurance Committee voted in support of HBs 4703–4704, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy). These bills require insurers and Medicaid to cover group prenatal services. The MHA supports HBs 4864-4865 and HBs 4703-4704.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

MDHHS Finalizes Specialty Behavioral Health Services Location Policy

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-17, effective July 1, 2026, which clarifies reimbursement requirements for specialty behavioral health services provided through Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans in home, community and residential settings. The policy applies to Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.

The final policy encourages mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services to be provided in integrated community settings, including an individual’s home, when appropriate. The bulletin also clarifies coverage requirements for substance use disorder residential treatment services, nursing facilities, child-caring institutions and children’s therapeutic group homes. For children and youth, services should be provided in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

The final policy includes several changes from the proposed policy, including:

  • New requirements related to the coordination of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services for children residing in child-caring institutions.
  • Additional clarification regarding services available to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Removal of a proposed section addressing Medicaid coverage in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs).

The MHA submitted comments requesting clarification regarding covered services in nursing facilities, IMD coverage policies and reimbursement for services provided to children in child-caring institutions. While the final bulletin provides additional clarification, it does not address all the questions raised by the MHA.

Members impacted by specialty behavioral health service delivery and reimbursement requirements are encouraged to review the bulletin.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Accepting Applications for Opioid Treatment Access Internship Stipend Program

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting applications through June 15 for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Internship Program, which provides financial support to students completing unpaid internships that prepare them for careers in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

Eligible students pursuing degrees in social work, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing or physician assistant studies may receive stipends of up to $20,000, depending on internship requirements. Participants must commit to providing SUD services to Michigan residents after graduation.

MDHHS has allocated $3.5 million for the program, which is funded through the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and could support up to 350 students. Additional eligibility requirements and application materials are available on the MDHHS website.

Members are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible students and interns pursuing careers in substance use disorder treatment.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Hospitals Help: Pine Rest Launches First-of-its-Kind Pediatric Psychiatric Urgent Care

Member News, Hospitals Help
Pine Rest’s Pediatric Psychiatric Urgent Care is located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Hospitals are there in life’s most critical moments, supporting people at all walks of life and expanding access to care beyond the bedside. For children and families experiencing behavioral health crises, timely care can make a lifesaving difference.

To expand access to specialized mental health services for children and adolescents, the teams at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services recently opened a first-of-its-kind Pediatric Psychiatric Urgent Care Center.

The center, which is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., provides same-day assessments and short-term stabilization for children and teens ages 6-17 who are experiencing acute behavioral health crises. The Pine Rest team also connect families with the appropriate resources to avoid emergency room visits.

“Behavioral health challenges among children and teens have increased dramatically in recent years, and families across Michigan are struggling to find timely access to appropriate care,” said Mark Eastburg, PhD, president and CEO, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. “The Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health represents a significant step forward in addressing that need. By bringing together inpatient care, urgent psychiatric services and specialized programming in one location, we are helping ensure that children and families can get the support they need when they need it most.”

Since opening in early 2026, the center has supported an average of 12 children and families each day, providing immediate access to care for those experiencing urgent behavioral health needs. It’s projected that approximately 5,000 kids will be treated per year.

The building was intentionally designed to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, with specialized programming and spaces for young patients and their families. By bringing together urgent psychiatric services, inpatient care and outpatient support in one location, Pine Rest is helping families navigate behavioral health challenges with faster access to coordinated, age-appropriate care.

Pine Rest is also working to expand specialized care for children experiencing eating disorders, substance use disorder and neurodevelopmental conditions while enhancing access to telepsychiatry services for rural and underserved communities across Michigan.

Visit the Pine Rest website to learn more about how their teams are helping children and families across Michigan access timely, specialized behavioral healthcare services.

Those with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Media Recap: Behavioral Health and Drug Manufacturer Pressures

MHA In The News

Common Ground published a story April 28 detailing Michigan’s behavioral health landscape. Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, was cited throughout the article highlighting growing concern about emergency department (ED) boarding. LaPine-Ray notes that hospitals are increasingly serving as the default entry point for patients experiencing mental health crises due to gaps in the behavioral health system. She shared the staggering number of patients – more than 155 – in Michigan emergency departments each day waiting for behavioral health services.

MHA CEO Brian Peters pushed back on a Michigan Health Purchasers Coalition report that falsely represents the federal 340B drug discount program in an article published by MIRS April 29.

Peters highlights the report’s flawed methodology and urges the coalition’s members to engage with Michigan hospitals on solutions that address the real drivers behind rising healthcare costs like the prices set by drug manufacturers.

Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.

Senate Introduces Legislation on Behavioral Health Transport Vehicles

Member News

Michigan’s behavioral health system has long faced a critical transportation gap — and the MHA is supporting efforts to close it.

The Michigan Legislature introduced two bills last week that represent a significant step forward for patients in crisis and the hospitals caring for them. Senate Bill (SB) 928 would create a licensure structure for Behavioral Health Transport (BHT) vehicles, while SB 927 would establish a reimbursement mechanism for their services.

The Problem

Michigan currently has two categories of medical transport: Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), designed for predictable, scheduled trips such as outpatient appointments; and Emergency Medical Transport (EMT) via ambulance, designed for acute physical health emergencies. Neither of these options is well-suited for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Patients in crisis cannot schedule their need for transport in advance — as NEMT requires — yet more than 99% do not require the level of medical intervention an ambulance provides. Michigan has seen a 65.5% increase in transports for patients in a mental health crisis over the past five years, placing increased strain on fragile Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems.

The consequences are real. Hospitals report patients waiting 48–72 hours for transport to psychiatric beds, with confirmed placements lost because transport could not be arranged in time. EMS providers are being pulled away from the high-acuity medical emergencies their training and equipment are designed for – and because BHT services have been operating under different licenses, they have not been able to secure Medicaid reimbursement.

What BHT Offers

BHT vehicles are built for patients in crisis, featuring a number of safety features for both the patient and the driver. BHT units operate with consistent availability and pick-up can typically be arranged within hours of a request. Early adopters cite a strong preference for BHT over ambulance transport, reporting a calmer environment, reduced stigma and greater dignity for individuals in crisis.

The Legislative Solution

SB 928 creates a licensure structure for BHT vehicles, establishing the regulatory foundation needed to define and recognize this new category of certified transport. SB 927 builds on that foundation by creating a reimbursement mechanism, enabling BHT providers enrolled with the MDHHS to bill for services and ending the current dynamic in which hospitals are financially penalized for choosing the safer, more appropriate option.

For more information or to share feedback on these bills, members should contact the MHA Advocacy Team.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 9, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

IMLC Legislation Clears House, Continuing Education and Credentialing Bills Advance

The Michigan House of Representatives voted in support of House Bill 5455, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile Township), which would restore Michigan to the IMLC. The compact supports access to care, particularly in rural …

Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees’ Feb. 4 meeting featured a discussion with former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is now a senior policy advisor with DC-based Liberty Partners Group, a bipartisan strategic consulting firm. Stabenow …

MHA Releases FAQ on Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

The MHA recently released a new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help members better understand allowable uses, limitations and compliance requirements related to Michigan’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The FAQ clarifies that RHTP …

CMS Releases 2025 Occupational Mix Survey for Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2025 occupational mix survey to collect data from hospitals paid under the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system. Survey results will be used to adjust …

 

MHA Reinforces Evidence-Based Vaccination Guidelines

The MHA is strengthening its commitment to evidence-based immunization practices under the guidance of the MHA Healthcare and Public Health Integration Council and chief medical and nursing leaders. Efforts include distributing educational resources, reaffirming alignment …

Initiative Seeks to Expand Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services in Michigan

Providers who serve pregnant people, infants and families are encouraged to complete a brief survey to help build Michigan’s first statewide Perinatal and Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (PIECMH) Provider Directory. The initiative is led …

HHS Announces $100M Investment in Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a $100 million investment to expand substance use disorder treatment, mental health services and housing-related supports under the administration’s Great American Recovery initiative. …

 

MDHHS Withdraws PIHP Procurement

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has withdrawn its request for proposals (RFP) to competitively procure Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), ending the planned rebid process. The decision follows a Jan. 8 …

Hospitals Help: Youth Safety Event Teaches UP Students Emergency Preparedness

Camp 911 is a hands-on, youth-focused safety event supported by Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson hospital that is designed to teach school-aged children essential emergency response skills. The camp brings together professionals from various fields to demonstrate …

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Wakely is hosting the webinar Summary and Impacts of the 2027 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice Feb. 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. ET.
  • The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce |Q is hosting an in-person Coffee & Collab for Cybersecurity Leaders Feb. 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ET at CyberForce|Q headquarters in Plymouth, MI.

MHA in the News

The Mining Journal published a statement from the MHA chief medical officer following the distribution of guidance to

Michigan families departing from established standards. Dr. Roth emphasizes the efficacy of vaccines and urges families to seek medical guidance from their providers. “Vaccines remain …

Initiative Seeks to Expand Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services in Michigan

Member News

Providers who serve pregnant people, infants and families are encouraged to complete a brief survey to help build Michigan’s first statewide Perinatal and Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (PIECMH) Provider Directory. The initiative is led by the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health (MCMCH) in partnership with statewide maternal and early childhood organizations.

The directory will be designed for both families and providers and hosted on the Think Babies Michigan website. It will support stronger referral pathways, make it easier for families to find services and help identify gaps in care to inform advocacy and future funding opportunities.

Members are encouraged to share this survey with colleagues who provide maternal, perinatal and infant mental health services. Additional outreach materials, including newsletter language and a flyer, are available.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

HHS Announces $100M Investment in Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment

Member News

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a $100 million investment to expand substance use disorder treatment, mental health services and housing-related supports under the administration’s Great American Recovery initiative.

The funding will launch the Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Supports (STREETS) initiative, which will support targeted outreach, psychiatric care, medical stabilization, crisis intervention and connections to stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder.

HHS also announced a $10 million Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) grant program to support adults who have difficulty engaging in traditional outpatient care. The program uses court-ordered, community-based treatment as an alternative to hospitalization, homelessness or involvement with the criminal justice system.

In addition, HHS announced changes allowing states and tribes to receive a 50% federal match to provide medications for opioid use disorder, buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone, to parents whose children are at risk of entering foster care. The medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are intended to support recovery and family stability.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA CEO Report — Launching Collaboratives to Improve Community Health

Member News, MHA Rounds
MHA Rounds graphic of Brian Peters

MHA Rounds image of Brian Peters“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.” — Henry Ford

In the healthcare community, we know that a person’s health is shaped outside the four walls of a hospital and our support must expand beyond acute care. The MHA recently launched community benefit collaboratives with this in mind and to improve outcomes in three critical areas: maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease.

More than 50 of our member hospitals across Michigan are participating, with a focus on enhancing group prenatal care, improving perinatal mood disorder screening and support, preventing postpartum depression, and increasing food access and nutrition education.

The primary goal of the collaboratives is to create cross-sector and -system networks that advance the health and well-being of all Michiganders. These focus areas were carefully chosen after reviewing Community Health Needs Assessments and modeled after programs that are already making an impact in Michigan communities.

By scaling these proven efforts, we can help reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes statewide.

Michigan hospitals serve rural, suburban and urban communities alike — and each system tailors care to the unique needs of its patients. The collaboratives were designed with flexibility in mind, offering components that can be adapted based on a hospital’s size, resources and populations served.

We’re excited to launch these collaboratives because they represent what our hospitals do best: caring for Michiganders — not just when they are in a hospital bed, but every day. By working in tandem with each other and with community partners, we can turn local success stories into a statewide movement for better health.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.