Workforce, Operational Challenges Addressed at MHASC Board, HR Committee Meetings

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities including behavioral health, workforce sustainability, data strategy, cybersecurity and diversifying MHASC products, services, and partnerships. To receive an update on the action plan, members are invited to register for the Feb. 24 MHA Strategic Action Plan Forum.

The board discussed strategies for re-designing care and how the MHASC can support efforts in this space. MHA Endorsed Business Partner care.ai sponsored a joint lunch for MHA and MHASC board members and provided an opportunity to demonstrate its Smart Care Facility Operating Platform.

The MHASC Human Resources (HR) Committee met Jan. 31 to discuss current HR priorities and review its role in guiding the MHASC’s purpose and direction as it addresses issues including workforce sustainability, retention and recruitment, talent development, well-being and safety. Members provided feedback on current workforce-related legislative efforts and shared valuable insights with colleagues during a round-table session addressing workforce shortage issues. The MHASC is working with the HR Committee to develop future educational programming and networking opportunities, including the potential for holding an upcoming Michigan Healthcare Human Resources Conference. Finally, the committee received a report from new MHA endorsed business partner LifeWorks, highlighting virtual mental health therapy guided by professional therapists with the same clinical efficacy as traditional cognitive behavioral therapy.

The MHASC provides critical support to the MHA in the form of nondues revenue through its Data Services, Unemployment Compensation Program and Endorsed Business Partner program to address workforce, financial and other business needs. Visit the MHA Business Services webpage to learn more about resources available. Questions regarding the MHASC Board and MHASC HR Committee should be directed to Peter Schonfeld at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 6, 2021

MHA Monday Report

MHA Covid-19 update

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Weeks of Nov. 22 and 29

The state’s coronavirus webpage indicates there were an average of 9,222 new COVID-19 cases per day Dec. 2 and 3, bleakly demonstrating the current surge of the disease in Michigan. However, 55.6% of Michiganders ages 5 and older were fully vaccinated as of Dec. 3, and more than 1.6 million residents had …


Hospital Leaders Provide Testimony Amid Latest COVID Surge

Hospital leaders from around the state testified Dec. 1 before the House Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell). They discussed the current challenges Michigan’s hospitals face as they near the statewide record for COVID-19 hospitalizations while having more COVID-19 …


Hospital Testimony Supports Community College BSN Degrees

The Michigan Legislature held several hearings on legislation supported by the MHA during the week of Nov. 29. In the House Education Committee, initial testimony was taken on a bill to allow community colleges to offer 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. The Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee reported to the …


Bill to Codify Licensure Exemptions, Assist in Workforce Shortage Reported to Senate

The Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee reported Senate Bill 759 to the Senate floor Dec. 2. Introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) and supported by the MHA, SB 759 would codify a provision that has given hospitals flexibility to appropriately respond to …


CMS Offers Forum on No Surprises Act Dec. 8

The Centers for Medicaid & Medicaid Services Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight will host a special Open Door Forum via conference call at 2 p.m. Dec. 8 to review provider requirements under the federal No Surprises Act. …


New MHA Infographic Highlights Michigan’s Midsize Vital Hospitals

The MHA has released a new infographic highlighting Michigan’s 32 midsize vital hospitals. The publication seeks to bring attention to these facilities that ensure access to care for residents in rural and small urban areas that, while they experience similar challenges to critical access hospitals, are not eligible for …


Governance Webinar Outlines Ties Between Trends and Strategic Planning

Hospital and health system boards will face challenges as the world transitions from a multiyear pandemic to an endemic. The industry is experiencing instability and near-constant change: innovation in medicine and service delivery, new competitors, payer upheaval, renewed scrutiny on the social determinants of …

Virtual Breakthrough


Registration Open for MHA Breakthrough In-person Event in February

The COVID-19 crisis has made clear what American healthcare providers are capable of and their infinite potential, yet challenges remain. COVID-19 variants continue to plague the nation’s health; regular harassment and violence toward caregivers sustains burnout brought about by exhaustion and …


Upcoming Webinar to Improve Healthcare for Transgender Population

Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals deal with many common fears that can be debilitating. Healthcare providers need to understand the obstacles that this population faces to improve medical care for their patients. The MHA Health Foundation Transgender Healthcare Dignity Model …


MHA CEO Brian Peters appears Nov. 23 on CNN

Headline Roundup: Michigan Hospital CMOs Urge Action Against COVID-19

The MHA published a consensus statement Nov. 22 on behalf of chief medical officers of Michigan’s community hospitals urging the public to take action to help slow COVID-19 growth throughout the state. …


The Keckley Report

Paul Keckley

STAT Investigation on Ascension Private Equity Activity Problematic for Hospitals

“The STAT headline last Tuesday read: ‘How America’s largest Catholic hospital system is moonlighting as a private equity firm’ The news organization’s investigation involved ‘interviews with nearly two dozen academic experts, financial analysts, accountants, and community organizers … ’”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 22, 2021


News to Know

  • The MHA will host a free webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. ET Dec. 7 to provide an update on price transparency and the No Surprises Act, including what is required for compliance as of Jan. 1.
  • An Unemployment Compensation and Vaccine Mandates webinar will be offered at 10 a.m. ET Dec. 9.
  • The MHA welcomes care.ai as a new Endorsed Business Partner providing the first AI-powered autonomous monitoring solutions for care teams and their patients.