COVID-19 hospitalizations in Michigan have been rising in recent weeks, with 875 adults hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases on May 11; 77 of that number were in intensive care units. In addition, 36 children were in the hospital with confirmed or suspected cases on that date. A daily average of over 2,700 cases were confirmed from May 5 through 11.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
MDHHS Shares Updated FDA Guidelines for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has reminded providers of updated guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. The new guidelines essentially limit use to individuals 18 and older who cannot or will not take one of the other approved vaccines. The risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) warrants limiting the authorized use of the vaccine. TTS is a syndrome of rare and potentially life-threatening blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets. Members are encouraged to review the provider guidelines. For more information regarding vaccines, contact Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.
The Michigan House Appropriations Committee reported out April 26 their budget recommendation for the fiscal year 2023 budget beginning Oct. 1. House Bill 5784 protects hospital priorities, including maintaining …
The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies April 27 for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a proposed policy for Medicaid coverage of doula services effective Oct. 1, 2022, contingent upon approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The MHA supports this proposal and agrees with …
The 2022 MHA Annual Membership Meeting will return to an in-person meeting June 29, 30 and July 1 on Mackinac Island. COVID-19 vaccination is required for attendees 12 years of age and older, and details surrounding the vaccination verification …
COVID-19 has reshaped the healthcare environment. Emerging trends will have implications for years to come and the way hospitals and boards lead through recovery — be it financial, clinical or emotional …
The Keckley Report
The Long-term Consequence of Physician Employment in U.S. Healthcare
“The short-term impact of physician employment is closely monitored. But the long-term consequence of employed physicians is somewhat unclear. Currently, four major players are prominent in the mix; physician employment plays a critical role in each.”
The MHA will host a lunch and learn webinar from noon to 12:45 p.m. ET May 11 with MHA Endorsed Business Partner NextJob to provide an update on the latest labor market trends and leading practices to attract and keep valuable employees.
Rural Innovation eXchange interviewed MHA CEO Brian Peters for a story published April 28 that examines the challenges facing rural hospitals in Michigan.
Peters discussed staffing shortages and efforts to improve workforce sustainability, the impact of COVID-19 on hospital finances and cybersecurity threats.
“The [workforce] pipeline is going to be so important,” said Peters. “The pipeline as it exists today is not adequate, particularly in rural areas, which are significantly older than non-rural areas and have older and sicker patients. This also means that the phenomenon of folks leaving the field is felt more acutely in rural communities.”
Other healthcare executives appearing in the story include John T. Foss, vice president of operations, Mercy Health Lakeshore Campus; Steve Barnett, president and CEO, McKenzie Health; and JJ Hodshire, president and CEO, Hillsdale Hospital.
The MHA also provided comment to Michigan Radio for a story published April 27 on increasing COVID hospitalizations due to the omicron BA.2 variant.
“…[B]ut there are clear indications that the severity of illness is down and so we hope there will not be a surge of COVID hospitalizations like the state has experienced previously,” said John Karasinski, director, communications, MHA.
The number of confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 in Michigan went up April 7-13 from the previous week, rising from an average of 750 per day to 1,104 per day. Out of the 7,725 confirmed and suspected cases that week, 81 Michiganders …
The MHA Board of Trustees met at the MHA’s downtown Lansing offices April 13 and were joined by Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chair Thomas Albert (R-Lowell). Albert provided an update on the progress of the fiscal year 2023 state budget, which includes funding for …
The Michigan Legislature returned from its spring recess during the week of April 11, taking up several bills impacting hospitals. In the House, the state’s higher education …
MHA members will return to an in-person annual meeting June 29 through July 1 on Mackinac Island. COVID-19 vaccination is required for attendees 12 years of age and older; details surrounding the vaccination verification process are outlined …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently approved an extension of Michigan Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage for 12 months after pregnancy, up from 60 days, effective April 1, 2022. This coverage extension is expected to apply to approximately 16,000 pregnant and …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year 2023. …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update Medicare fee-for-service hospice payment rates, wage index, beneficiary cap amount and quality reporting program requirements for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. …
The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is the best choice to help prepare health organization board members to excel in performing their vital responsibilities as hospitals and health systems navigate an environment where COVID-19 is endemic. Launched 20 …
The MHA submitted a comment letter April 14 on behalf of its rural hospital members to the Federal Communications Commission in response to its request for input on proposed rulemaking to improve the Rural Health Care Program. …
The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. …
National organizations are recognizing April as Workplace Violence Awareness Month and Minority Health Month, each of which are key priorities for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The Alliance Against Workplace Violence is leading efforts for Workplace Violence Awareness Month while the U.S. …
The Keckley Report
U.S. Healthcare and Inflation: A Tipping Point
“Inflation hit a 40-year high of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2022. Driven by higher gas and food prices, the average household’s expenses have increased $433/month this year and the end is not in sight.
“It is taking its toll on consumers– disproportionately in lower income households, rural communities, the unhealthy and frail elderly and non-white populations. Recent polling underscores the gravity of the public mood.”
The number of confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 in Michigan went up April 7-13 from the previous week, rising from an average of 750 per day to 1,104 per day. Out of the 7,725 confirmed and suspected cases that week, 81 Michiganders died. On April 13, 482 adults and 14 children were hospitalized in Michigan with confirmed and suspected COVID-19, with 104 in intensive care units and 40 using ventilators to breathe. The state is currently reporting this information once a week. Nationwide, the daily average case rate was 29,401 as of April 13, with 452 deaths per day attributed to COVID-19. Federal officials have warned of an uptick as the BA.2 variant spreads and many locations drop mask requirements and social distancing measures.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
Health Secretary Extends Public Health Emergency
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced April 12 that the HHS is extending the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) another 90 days effective April 16, pushing the new expiration to mid-July.
The extension will continue the relaxation of several healthcare-related regulations, including:
Continued coverage of expanded telehealth services for government and private payer beneficiaries.
Continuous enrollment in Medicaid and the Medicaid federal match rate:
The 90-day extension of the PHE will extend the enhanced federal match rate through Sept. 30, reducing the provider taxes hospitals pay to support certain Medicaid supplemental payment pools as well as reducing the state’s general fund contribution to the overall Medicaid program.
The PHE extension also extends the Medicaid enrollment maintenance of effort (MOE) by 90 days, which means the state will generally not remove individuals from the Medicaid program for another quarter. Michigan Medicaid enrollment is now more than 3 million people due to the current PHE-related MOE.
The continuation of permissible use of COVID-19 tests, vaccines and therapeutics still operating under emergency use authorization.
Liability protection for certain provider types administering COVID-19 vaccines.
Swing bed flexibility.
Certain requirements for critical access and rural hospitals.
CRNA supervision waived.
Other regulations.
MHA members are encouraged to review an overview from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services outlining all federal requirements for healthcare providers that are modified while the PHE remains in place.
The HHS intends to provide states with at least 60 days’ notice prior to any possible termination or expiration of the PHE in the future.
The American Hospital Association and Children’s Hospital Association, with the MHA’s support, have urged the HHS to better define long COVID-19 treatment and coverage plans before ending the emergency. The MHA will keep members apprised of any developments on these topics.
The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is the best choice to help prepare health organization board members to excel in performing their vital responsibilities as hospitals and health systems navigate an environment where COVID-19 is endemic. Launched 20 years ago, the fellowship isa rigorous and comprehensive program delivering tools and knowledge in four strategic areas: principles of effective governance, improving quality and patient safety, building collaborative medical staff partnerships, and building strong relationships with the community and stakeholders. The sessions are led by experts in governance with a healthcare background.
Fellows meet in person four times a year at the MHA headquarters in Okemos and participate in virtual sessions held in the months when fellows are not meeting in person. This format is designed to give board members the opportunity to fit this valuable learning into their busy schedules.
Graduates of the fellowship have high praise for the fellowship, as demonstrated by a video of graduates’ testimonials. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2022 – 2023 Excellence in Governance Fellowship, which will be held from October 2022 through June 2023. To further explore this one-of-a-kind offering, contact Erin Steward at the MHA.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported there were an average of 752 new confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases per day from April 2 through April 6. As of April 6, 453 adults and 17 children were hospitalized with confirmed and suspected cases; 96 adults were in intensive care units, 39 of them …
Legislation to decrease wait times for commercial insurance prior authorization requests was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 7. Senate Bill 247, introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), will shorten the timeline for approval to seven calendar days or 72 hours for urgent requests, as well as ensure that …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a proposed policy, effective July 1, 2022, allowing authorization for return transfers of stabilized infants from a neonatal intensive care unit back to the community hospital from which the patient was …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. Key highlights of the proposal include …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. Key highlights of the proposal include …
Where is the line between governance and management? The truth is each board must set its own boundaries on governance versus management decisions, and boards must continuously revisit this line. The webinar You and Your Board: Creating a Synergistic Combination, offered from noon to 1 p.m. April 27 …
The MHA hosted a one-hour Twitter chat March 4 to discuss Emergency Department (ED) Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).The chat allowed participants to engage with their peers and share information and resources related to ED MOUD, as many of these programs help address …
Healthcare workers across the country are experiencing a growing rate of incidents of violence against front-line caregivers, including workers in Michigan. In fact, healthcare workers are nearly four times more likely to experience violence than individuals in other industries, according to the …
The Keckley Report
Medicare Trustees’ NHE Report: Interesting Read but Understandably Flawed
“Last Monday, Medicare Trustees released the 56th edition of their National Health Expenditures (NHE) Forecast for 2021-2030 which is widely used by policymakers and operators to gauge what’s ahead for U.S. healthcare. Regrettably, it’s flawed.”
The Circle of Life Awards recognize innovative palliative or end-of-life care providers that measure and evaluate the impact of their work on patients, family and/or the community. Part 1 applications for the 2023 awards will be accepted through May 31.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported there were an average of 752 new confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases per day from April 2 through April 6. As of April 6, 453 adults and 17 children were hospitalized with confirmed and suspected cases; 96 adults were in intensive care units, 39 of them on ventilators. The MDHHS is now reporting this data once a week.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
FDA Revokes Sotrovimab Authorization
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked emergency use authorization (EUA) for sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 patients at risk of developing severe disease. This occurred due to the treatment’s ineffectiveness as a remedy for the omicron subvariant BA.2, which is now responsible for more than half of all U.S. infections.
The FDA authorized a new monoclonal antibody, Eli Lilly’s bebtelovimab, Feb. 11 that remains effective against omicron variants; the bebtelovimab EUA is still in place. The MHA will continue to work with the Michigan MDHHS leadership on therapeutics recommendations and availability in Michigan. Members with questions may contact Laura Appel at the MHA.
President Biden Announces Long COVID-19 Care Planning
President Joe Biden announced April 5 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will assemble a cross-government plan to manage “long COVID.” However, it is largely dependent on being funded by Congress.
The plan’s goals are broadening research, detection and treatment access to fight lingering or late-emerging effects of COVID-19 that are estimated to impact between seven million and 23 million Americans. The symptoms include shortness of breath, heart irregularities, kidney problems and more.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) and other federal advocacy groups sent a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in March stating that there is “a need for further clinical guidance regarding the symptoms of and best course of treatment for long Covid-19 patients.” According to news reports, the Biden administration needs at least $25 million in the 2023 federal budget to build on tracking and surveillance progress, in addition to the $50 million the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is already spending.
The long COVID-19 plan further includes establishing a Center of Excellence to treat long COVID-19 patients through in-person, multispecialty and telehealth services. The administration reportedly wants to establish long COVID-19 clinics around the country modeled after a Veterans Affairs clinic setup.
The MHA will continue to work closely with the AHA about the viability of this plan, both operationally and politically, and will keep members apprised of progress or plans that may impact hospitals, health systems and their patients. Members with questions may contact Laura Appel at the MHA.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a $4.7 billion supplemental appropriations bill into law March 30. Senate Bill 565, introduced by Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo), will provide supplemental appropriations to implement a statewide broadband program. …
Healthcare providers have unique opportunities to increase the number of children who are up to date with childhood vaccinations to keep them safe from a multitude of diseases. Motivated by that fact, the I Vaccinate initiative has launched a new provider toolkit website to …
During a time of major workforce shortages and operational challenges, staff who have the expertise to oversee cybersecurity are mostly reacting to threats instead of proactively managing risks from employees, technology, processes and third-party vendors. …
Nursing leaders are continuously thinking about the nursing workforce. Once a nursing student lands on the unit floor, nurse educators must mentor them to handle such patient care challenges as why a patient might be frustrated or barriers he or she will encounter as they are caring for patients. …
MHA CEO Brian Peters focuses on Michigan’s behavioral health system and shares MHA-recommended solutions.
The Keckley Report
President Biden’s FY2022 Budget: The Numbers Don’t Add Up
“Amidst media attention to Russia’s month-long invasion of the Ukraine, the emergence of the new BA-2 Omicron variant and inflation which has sent consumer sentiment to an 11-year low, attention shifts to the 74-page White House Fiscal Year 2022 Budget …
“What’s also notable about this budget is the importance of healthcare in the federal budget: federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid are forecast to grow faster than overall Federal receipts.”
With the number of new cases trending downward, Michigan hospitals continued to have patients with severe cases of COVID-19 in their intensive care units (ICUs). As of March 25, 100 Michiganders with confirmed or suspected …
During the week of March 21, the Michigan Legislature advanced several bills related to MHA priorities, including legislation to change the prior authorization process for commercial insurers, expand the Essential Health Provider Loan Repayment Program, …
The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened virtually March 23 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by separate presentations from Sen. Aric Nesbitt …
Successful stewardship of an organization is central to the role of governance. Accomplishing goals requires action planning and execution, frequent accountability check-ins, and communication and transparency about plans and goal metrics. The webinar You and Your …
To help raise awareness around Emergency Department Medication for Opioid Use Disorder, the MHA will host a Twitter chat from noon to 1 p.m. April 4. During the event, the MHA will post questions from @MIHospitalAssoc, with commentary from the MHA Keystone Center, the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan and other members of the Michigan Opioid Partnership. …
The National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health are partnering on a new rural health safety net survey exploring staffing shortages at rural hospitals. Hospital input will provide a better understanding …
Participants will gather from June 29 through July 1 for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting on Mackinac Island. This meeting is the most important association event of the year and is attended by more than …
The Keckley Report
Is It Time to Re-think Self-care?
“Self-care is the bridge to healthcare value, but crossing it will be challenging for the U.S. health industry. It’s key to reducing the progression of chronic conditions, avoiding unnecessary hospitalization, improving workforce performance and lowering healthcare costs. But it’s not taken seriously as a solution by policymakers, physicians and others who discount its potential. Is that likely to change? The jury’s out but It’s getting fresh attention.”
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Michigan have been rising in recent weeks, with 875 adults hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases on May 11; 77 of that number were in intensive care units. In addition, 36 children were in the hospital with confirmed or suspected cases on that date. A daily average of over 2,700 cases were confirmed from May 5 through 11.
MHA CEO Report — Change to Our Behavioral Health System Can’t Wait
