MHA Monday Report Nov. 20, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol building2023 Legislative Session Recap

The Michigan Legislature officially adjourned sine die for the calendar year Nov. 14. The top priority for the association this fall was opposing harmful, one-size fits all nurse staffing ratio legislation (House Bills 4550-4552 and …


MHA Board of Trustees Advances Strategic Action Plan, Focus on Workforce Support and Medicaid Maximization

The MHA Board of Trustees focused most of their Nov. 8 meeting on targeted actions in advancement of their 2023-2024 Strategic Action Plan, which outlines the association’s priorities for the year ahead and identifies those …


MHA Policy Experts Join Mental Health Association Panel Event

The Mental Health Association in Michigan hosted the annual Michigan Partners in Crisis event Nov. 3, bringing together industry experts to explore the theme Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care. Elizabeth Kutter, senior director …


MHA Issues Statement on National Rural Health Day

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. “As we celebrate National Rural Health Day, we want to express our gratitude to all our rural hospitals …


MHA Podcast Uplifts National Rural Health Day feat. Munson Healthcare

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews each month with experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. The November 2023 episode, …


MHA Virtual DEI Certificate Program Approved for CME and Nursing Credits

Registration is open for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare certificate program Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. The event, hosted by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association …


The Keckley Report

Paul Keckley2024 is a Make-or-Break Year for Physicians

At the interim meeting of the American Medical Association House of Delegates Saturday in National Harbor, MD, President Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, urged physicians to take action: “Medicine is not just at a crossroads…it’s at a crisis.” He’s right: 2024 is a make-or-break year for the profession. …

The issues for the medical profession go well-beyond burnout and finances. Though pushback against the Final Rule is understandable, it must be considered in a broader context. Medicare funding is in the cross hairs of budget hawks in Congress and rating agencies (Moody’s November 13, 2023) have downgraded the nation’s debt citing deficits, spending (including Medicare) and political polarization as root causes. And 2024 is an election year in which the economy is the key issue topping the domestic agenda and healthcare affordability a key focus along with access to abortion services. …

Paul Keckley, Nov. 13, 2023


News to Know

TELUS Health CBT (formerly known as AbilitiCBT by LifeWorks) is now offered by TELUS Health, a global leader in total wellbeing.


MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the weeks of Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 regarding a committee hearing on proposed nurse staffing ratio legislation. Additional topics covered include hospital market activity, behavioral health, the state’s STEMI …

2023 Legislative Session Recap

capitol building

capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature officially adjourned sine die for the calendar year Nov. 14. The top priority for the association this fall was opposing harmful, one-size fits all nurse staffing ratio legislation (House Bills 4550-4552 and Senate Bills 334-336). The House Health Policy Committee took testimony on the legislation where the MHA and member nursing leaders participated, but the committee did not take the legislation up for a vote and will not do so this calendar year. While much attention was dedicated to opposition to nurse staffing ratio legislation, the final weeks of session included action on a variety of other bills that impact Michigan hospitals and health systems. Below is a summary of where proposed legislation currently stands that the MHA has been monitoring.

Affordable Care Act State Codification – Signed by the Governor

The legislature acted on a group of bills that add protections found in the Affordable Care Act to Michigan law. Governor Whitmer signed House Bills (HBs) 4619-4623 and Senate Bills (SBs) 356-358 into law and they are now Public Acts (PAs) 156-163 of 2023. These new laws memorialize important protections for Michiganders such as no-cost essential services, including preventive, mental health and emergency services. The MHA supported this bill package throughout the legislative process.

Violence Against Healthcare Workers – Awaiting Governor’s Signature

HBs 4520 and 4521, which increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker, are headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. These bills are a positive step in ensuring violence against healthcare workers is not tolerated. The MHA continues to work on more opportunities to protect the healthcare workforce from violence in the workplace.

Auto No-Fault Updates – Passed the State Senate

The MHA continues to advocate for targeted updates to the state’s auto no-fault insurance law. SBs 530 and 531 passed the Senate and were referred to the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee. The MHA supports the changes proposed in this legislation, including moving reimbursement rate tiers back to the 2021 levels, smoothing the indigent volume factor timeline and creating an appropriate definition of Medicare rates for the purpose of auto no-fault insurance claim reimbursement.

Telemedicine Access – Passed the State House

HBs 4131, 4213, 4579 and 4580, which provide payment parity for telehealth services and provide limitations on the ability of health plans to dictate site specific visit requirements, were voted out of the House. The MHA supported the bipartisan package, which codifies many provisions in place during the public health emergency (PHE). The legislation makes additional changes to support the provider ability to serve patients and protect in-person visits that are vital to health outcomes. The bills were referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee.

Sharps Containers – Passed the State Senate

The Senate unanimously passed SB 482, which lifts the state’s 90-day disposal requirement for sharps containers. The MHA membership voiced concerns about the 90-day disposal requirement, which mandated sealing and disposing of containers before they reach their ¾ fill mark. The FDA regulated containers are costly and difficult to obtain, as hospitals experienced following a manufacturing facility fire. Disposal of partially full containers contributes to unnecessary and preventable medical waste. The MHA worked directly with the bill sponsor, Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), on this legislation to address concerns about cost, access and environmental impact. The MHA supports this important policy change that will directly benefit the membership.

Behavioral Health Parity – Passed the State Senate
The Senate approved SB 27, which would ensure behavioral health parity laws are meaningfully applied at the state level, with a strong bipartisan vote. The MHA-supported legislation was referred to the House Health Policy Committee. Similarly, the House Health Policy Committee reported out HB 4707, which would specify behavioral health parity, in addition to other services that would be required to be covered. HB 4707 awaits a vote by the full chamber.

Maternal and Infant Health – Passed Committee

HBs 5167-5173, which present several opportunities to support maternal and infant health, were reported out of the House Health Policy Committee. The MHA worked closely with the bill sponsors and committee chair on the legislative language and supports several bills in the package, including:

  • HBs 5167 and 5168, which allow for coverage of blood pressure monitors by commercial insurance and Medicaid for individuals who are pregnant or within the postpartum period.
  • HB 5169, which allows for mental health screenings to take place in postpartum follow up and pediatric settings when clinically appropriate. This bill was paired with HBs 5170 and 5171 that require insurance coverage for those screenings.
  • HB 5172, which sets up an opportunity for the state to publish maternal levels of care verifications and offer incentive payments for participation in verification and safety bundle utilization.

This package of bills awaits a vote by the full House and further legislative action is anticipated in the new year.

Rare Disease Advisory Council – Reported out of Committee

The Senate Health Policy Committee reported out HB 4167, which creates the Rare Disease Advisory Council, after being approved by the full House earlier in the year. The MHA supports this legislation and expects further action on it in 2024.

Breast Milk Donor HIV Testing – Reported out of Committee

The House Health Policy Committee reported out HB 4728, which updates the requirements for testing a breast milk donor for HIV or an HIV antibody. The proposed legislation removes the requirement to test a donor quarterly, while retaining the requirement for initial testing for potential donors. The MHA supports this legislation. HB 4728 is awaiting a vote by the full House.

340B Contract Pharmacy Legislation – Introduced

MHA member covered entities continue to share concerns about manufacturer-imposed limitations on contract pharmacy arrangements. The MHA worked with Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) to introduce legislation prohibiting contract pharmacy arrangement discrimination. HB 5350 was officially introduced on the last day of session for the year and referred to the House Health Policy Committee.

Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact – Introduced
HB 4935, also known as the Michigan Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), would enter Michigan into the national Nurse Licensure Compact. The NLC allows registered nurses to have one multistate license with the privilege to practice in their home state and other compact states. Permanent relocation to another compact state requires obtaining licensure in the new state, as the nurse’s residency has changed. HB 4935 would declare Michigan a compact participating state, allowing the mutual recognition of nursing licenses among the other member compact states. The bill was referred to the House Health Policy Committee.

Opposition to Repeal of Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act

The Senate did not take a vote on SB 171, sponsored by Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). The bill repeals the local government labor regulatory limitation act, which prohibits localities from regulating employment relationships. Repealing this act would allow for a local unit of government to impose local labor ordinances such as a higher local minimum wage than the state, or potentially institute local staffing and scheduling regulations. The MHA and a coalition of other business and employer groups oppose this legislation over concerns of a patchwork of local regulations that could jeopardize access to healthcare services in Michigan.

Additional MHA Supported Legislation Signed by or Awaiting Signature from Gov. Whitmer

  • SB 219 preserved many PHE flexibilities regarding vaccinations and testing services offered by a pharmacist at a local pharmacy. Michigan continues to see post-PHE declines in vaccination rates. Promoting increased access points for individuals to get vaccinated is a public health benefit and one the MHA supports. Gov. Whitmer signed SB 219 into law in late July 2023.
  • HBs 4495-4496 cleaned up aspects of the Health Michigan Plan Act (HMP), including removal of cost sharing requirements that have proved to be exceedingly burdensome, and the elimination of language requiring the repeal of the HMP if state costs ever exceeded state savings. The HMP has increased access to healthcare throughout the state, providing coverage for over a million Michiganders. The MHA supported this legislation, which the governor signed into law in July 2023.
  • HBs 4616 and 4617 prohibit mental health professionals from providing conversion therapy to a minor. The MHA supported the legislation, which Gov. Whitmer signed into law in August 2023 and are now PAs 117 and 118 of 2023.
  • SB 384 and HBs 4362-4364 make positive changes to state law related to organ donation. SB 384 prohibits insurance discrimination against a living organ donor and HBs 4361-4364 allow for increased opportunities to identify as an organ donor. These changes have the potential to increase organ donation, helping the many individuals in need of transplants. The MHA supported this bill package which, Gov. Whitmer signed into law in November 2023. The bills are now PAs 100-102 and 192 of 2023.
  • SB 227 will update the state’s child caring institution licensing laws to align with emergency intervention language used in the Mental Health Code. Specifically, this legislation is important to any facility interested in becoming licensed as a Pediatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and alignment between the Mental Health Code and the licensing structure for child caring institutions. SB 227 is headed to the governor’s desk for her signature.
  • SB 133 would create the Overdose Fatality Review Act. The MHA worked closely with the bill sponsor to ensure language in the bill accurately includes and reflects the role hospitals play in their communities. The governor is expected to sign the bill into law soon.
  • SB 410 rescinds limitations on products liability for drugs with FDA approval. The MHA supports SB 410 which Gov. Whitmer is expected to sign.

Information on healthcare bills proposed during the 2023-2024 legislative session can be found through the MHA state legislative bill tracker.

Members with questions on any of the bills should contact Adam Carlson or Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Policy Experts Join Mental Health Association Panel Event

Elizabeth Kutter and Lauren LaPine of the MHA served as panelists Nov. 3 to discuss behavioral healthcare access and policy opportunities at the state and federal level.

The Mental Health Association in Michigan hosted the annual Michigan Partners in Crisis event Nov. 3, bringing together industry experts to explore the theme Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care.

Elizabeth Kutter, senior director of Government and Political Affairs at the MHA and Lauren LaPine, senior director of Legislative and Public Policy at the MHA, joined as panelists to discuss behavioral healthcare access and policy opportunities at the state and federal level. Kutter and LaPine spoke alongside Angela Kimball, senior vice president of Political Advocacy and Public Policy at Inseparable, a mental health advocacy organization.

“Look for opportunities to collaborate with community partners and lawmakers,” said LaPine when asked how community members can help address gaps in behavioral health. “We need to keep coming together, learning from one another and figuring out what’s working in order to scale those solutions.”

Kutter added, “Be bold. Be brave. Vote and talk to your lawmakers – they want to hear from you as leaders of your communities in order to make change.”

Other event panelists included Rep. Luke Meerman and Rep. Donovan McKinney who spoke about legislative work in the juvenile justice system. Julie Stewart and Leonard Swanson, MSW of Wayne State University’s (WSU) School of Social Work also joined to share details about statewide crisis response programs and the work of WSU’s Center for Behavioral Health.

Michigan Partners in Crisis is a coalition of organizations and jurists dedicated to enhancing access to quality, clinically appropriate treatment and support services and settings for children and adults experiencing emotional disorders and mental illnesses. This coalition seeks mechanisms that reduce the over-reliance on the criminal justice system as a response to mental illness and emotional disorders, while preserving the well-being and safety of consumers, families and the general public.

To learn more, visit the Mental Health Association in Michigan webpage or contact the MHA Advocacy team.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 13, 2023

MHA Monday Report

MHA board member Beth Charlton provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.House Committee Hears Testimony on One-Size-Fits-All Nurse Staffing Ratios

The House Health Policy Committee held a testimony-only hearing Nov. 9 on mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, House Bills 4550-4552. The proposed bills would mandate one-size-fits-all nurse staffing ratios for all Michigan hospitals. The legislation, which does not create more nurses nor solve staffing


CMS Finalizes Physician Fee Schedule for 2024

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule Nov. 2, aimed at promoting healthcare equity and expanding access to essential services for Medicare beneficiaries. These policies include several crucial areas, …


2024 Medicare Home Health Final Rule Released

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service recently released a final rule to update the home health (HH) prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2024. The rule includes updates to the Medicare fee-for-service HH PPS payment …


Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule Sept. 1, to establish minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities, as part of the Biden Administration’s Nursing Home Reform initiative. The MHA supports the goal to ensure safety and …


OPPS 2024 Final Rule Released

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) effective Jan. 1, 2024. The rule: Provides a net 2.1% to the outpatient conversion factor for hospitals that …


Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions Fellowship Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance announced a new cohort for the Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions Fellowship program Nov. 2. This year-long program will help rural leaders find solutions to substance use and misuse within their community through collaboration with …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Conundrum facing Not-for-Profit Hospital Systems

“Does hospital ownership matter? According to a study published last week in Health Affairs Scholar, NOT MUCH. That’s a problem for not-for-profit hospitals who claim otherwise. …

The issues facing not-for-profit hospitals in the U.S. are unique and complex. Per the commentary of the CSOs, their market conditions are daunting and major changes in their structure, funding and regulation unlikely. That means lack of public understanding of their unique role is a conundrum.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 6, 2023

House Committee Hears Testimony on One-Size-Fits-All Nurse Staffing Ratios

MHA board member Beth Charlton provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.
MHA board member Beth Charlton provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.
MHA board member Beth Charlton, BSN, RN, provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.

The House Health Policy Committee held a testimony-only hearing Nov. 9 on mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, House Bills 4550-4552. The proposed bills would mandate one-size-fits-all nurse staffing ratios for all Michigan hospitals. The legislation, which does not create more nurses nor solve staffing shortages, is opposed by the MHA as well as a diverse set of coalition partners including health plans, chambers of commerce, other nursing organizations and healthcare providers. As evidenced in California, where there is a shortage of 40,000 registered nurses despite the presence of mandated staffing ratios for 25 years, this is a proposed policy in search of serious problems. Michigan hospitals are currently trying to hire more than 8,400 nurses for vacant positions during a national workforce crisis. The MHA will continue to propose real solutions to address healthcare workforce vacancies and oppose proposals that negatively impact the health of communities across Michigan.

The MHA, several member hospital nurse leaders, the Michigan Organization of Nursing Leadership and American Nurses Association – Michigan testified in opposition. Further, nurses and nurse leaders from across the state joined the MHA in advocating against this effort. The impact the legislation will have on patients in the state is too serious to ignore; hospital nurses showed up in droves to share their concerns for their patients, their communities and Michigan’s access to care.

Doug Dascenzo provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.
Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer, Trinity Health Michigan, provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.

In conjunction with the testimony, the MHA released a letter on behalf of all Michigan hospitals and health systems signifying their unified opposition to proposed House Bills 4550-4552. This follows the announcement earlier this week of a comprehensive coalition of healthcare, business and advocacy organizations opposing the bills.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and further voting for the calendar year is not anticipated. However, work on this issue won’t stop. Members are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators through the MHA Legislative Action Center, participate in legislator’s local coffee hours and town halls, and connect with other local leaders to encourage opposition to legislation that will reduce access to care and harm communities.

Members with any questions may contact Adam Carlson and Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 6, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHealthcare Worker Protections Headed to Governor

Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the state House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 30. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare …


Michigan Hospitals Invested $784 Million in Community and Voluntary-based Activities to Improve Health, Well-being of Residents

New report outlines hospital community health efforts in FY 2021  The Michigan Health & Hospital Association released today the Making a Difference in Our Communities report that highlights how hospitals invested more than $784 …


Beyfortus Supply Shortages & CDC Guidelines

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract disease in infants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2023. The MHA has …


speak upC.S. Mott Children’s Hospital MRI Technologist Receives Speak-up! Award

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association Keystone Center a Dragan Spremo at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award on Oct 23. The MHA Keystone Center …


Registration Open for Virtual DEI Certificate Program

Registration is open for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare certificate program offered Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. The event, hosted by the Michigan Health & Hospital …


HHS Submits Information Blocking Disincentives Proposed Rule

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently submitted a proposed rule outlining penalties providers would face if they do not appropriately share patient data as outlined in the 21st Century Cures Act. …


MDHHS Launches Opioid Settlement Spending Webpage

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently published a webpage to track the allocation of $800 million received for opioid settlement investments. MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Baghdasarian indicated the website …


MHA Launches New Governance Affinity Group

Hospitals and health systems face significant adversity, yet Michigan providers continue to provide high quality and accessible healthcare to their communities, in great part because of governing boards, executives and staff leadership. Board and committee …


MHA CEO Report — Registration is Representation

As we have discussed in these monthly reports in the past, I am incredibly proud that the MHA is committed to the health equity journey, which once again has been identified by the MHA Board of Trustees as …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleySix Majority Beliefs about the U.S. Health System Compromise its Value Proposition

“As news cycles go, this one was standard fare for healthcare: with the exception of business plan announcements by organizations or as elements of tragedies like Lewiston, Gaza or a pandemic, the business of the health system—how it operates is largely uncovered and often subject to misinformation or disinformation. …

In the next 3 weeks, attention will be on the federal budget: healthcare will be in the background unless temporarily an element of a mass tragedy. Each trade group will tout its accomplishments to regulators and pimp their advocacy punch list. Each company will gin-out news releases and commentary about the future of the system will default to think tanks and focused on a single issue of interest.

That’s the problem. In this era of social media, polarization, and mass transparency, these old ways of communicating no longer work. Left unattended, they undermine the value proposition on which the U.S. system is based.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 30, 2023


News to Know

  • The MHA will host a virtual member from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 to outline the MHA 2023 – 2024 strategic action plan approved by the MHA Board of Trustees.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released an updated 2024 Medicare & You Handbook which provides information for patients regarding traditional Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage and more.

Healthcare Worker Protections Headed to Governor

capitol building

capitol buildingLegislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the state House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 30. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer, doubling the current fines for assault and assault with a deadly weapon. House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521 were introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden). A substitute adopted in committee expanded the care locations covered by the increased fines to include behavioral health facilities. Addressing violence against healthcare workers and deterring potential attacks continues to be an MHA priority. HBs 4520 and 4521 will now be transmitted to the Governor for her signature.

The House Health Policy Committee advanced legislation related to fetal and maternal health. HBs 5166-5173 propose several changes to state law specific to birthing parents and babies. Notably, several bills saw action in committee while stakeholders continue to work with the sponsors and committee chair on others. Several bills were approved by the committee and now move to consideration on the House floor by the full chamber:

  • HB 5169, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), would allow for mental health screenings in appropriate settings during the postpartum period. Based upon recommendations from the MHA Council on Children’s Health, the bill sponsor made several amendments to clarify timelines, recognize clinical guidance and provide flexibility in screening tools. The MHA is supportive of the amended bill.
  • HB 5172, sponsored by Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker), would establish a state program for recognizing birthing hospitals based upon their verification through the Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care. The MHA secured amendments to ensure the program is voluntary and to establish criteria to provide incentive payments to hospitals that pursue verification. The MHA supports the legislation.
  • HB 5173, sponsored by Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), would require hospitals to provide an informational form developed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services on the insurance enrollment process for coverage of newborns. Hospitals would be required to provide the information to parents of a child born in the hospital when the child is not covered by insurance. The MHA is neutral on this legislation following alterations made by the bill sponsor.
  • HBs 5167 and 5168, sponsored by Reps. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), allow for coverage of blood pressure monitors by commercial insurance and Medicaid for individuals who are pregnant or within the postpartum period. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.

The Senate Health Policy committee approved Senate Bill (SB) 482, sponsored by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), which lifts the state’s 90 day disposal requirement on sharps containers. The MHA membership voiced concerns about the 90-day disposal requirement, sharing that it would lead to sealing and disposing of containers before they reached their ¾ fill mark. The FDA regulated containers can be costly and difficult to obtain, as hospitals experienced following a manufacturing facility fire, and further disposal of an underutilized container contributes to unnecessary and preventable medical waste. The MHA worked directly with Sen. McDonald Rivet on this legislation, based on the feedback of hospitals who shared concerns about cost, access and environmental impact. The MHA is supportive of this important policy change that will directly benefit the membership.

In addition, the Senate Health Policy Committee took testimony on SBs 633 – 637, which would allow Michigan to establish a state based health insurance exchange. 17 states and the District of Columbia currently operate state-based marketplaces and another three state have state-based exchanges that use the federal platform. Proponents argue the state exchange would provide more flexibility in state plan design and Medicaid enrollment, while concerns were raised about the cost of the program.  The MHA has not taken a position on the legislation.

Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 30, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHealthcare Worker Protections Pass State Senate

Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the Michigan Senate in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 23. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional …


Strategic Action Planning Session with MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support and innovation, viability, behavioral health improvement, health equity and more during their Oct. 18 planning session. The …


MDHHS Proposes 340B Billing and Reporting Changes

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to modify hospital outpatient billing requirements for drugs purchased through the 340B drug pricing program. Existing policy requires 340B hospitals to …


Clinician Q & A: Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Pregnancy and infant loss tragically impacts individuals and families at all walks of life across the state and country. While every case is different, this is often a result of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal …


Patient Safety: A Case-based Innovative Playbook for Safer Care Published

Patient Safety: A Case-based Innovative Playbook for Safer Care (Second Edition) is a recently published book that serves as a must-read resource for those seeking to enhance patient care and create a culture of safety …


MHA Strategic Action Plan to be Reviewed Nov. 9

In the new program year, the MHA is focused on several critical issues like viability, workforce resilience and wellbeing, behavioral health and health equity.   The MHA will host a virtual member from 2 to …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyAre Employers Ready to Engage the Health Industry Head On?

“Last week, Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released its Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey which included a surprise:

The average annual single premium and the average annual family premium each increased by 7% over the last year. …

My take: these findings show that employers are not prone to drastic changes in health benefits for their employees despite recognition it is expensive and unaffordable to small companies and for many of their own employees.  But many large self-insured employers (except those in government, education and healthcare) are poised to make significant changes next year. They recognize themselves as the primary source of profits enjoyed by insurers, hospitals, physicians, drug companies and others.  They’re developing multi-year at risk direct contracts, value-based purchasing arrangements, primary care gatekeeping, narrow networks, restricted formularies, alternative care models and more to that leverage their clout. They’re going on offense. …”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 23, 2023


News to Know

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced the 2024 Medicare Parts A & B amount for deductibles, coinsurance, premiums and the Part D income-related monthly adjustments.
  • The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing is accepting requests for funding proposals for new or ongoing programs and interventions that work to eliminate racism in nursing.

MHA in the News

MHA Monday Report Oct. 23, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingProtections for Healthcare Workers, Auto No-fault Bills Move in Michigan Legislature

Multiple bills monitored by the MHA moved in the Michigan Legislature during the week of Oct. 16. Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was unanimously voted out of the Senate Civil Rights, …


Going PRO Talent Fund Applications Due Oct. 27

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity opened the first application cycle for the Going PRO Talent Fund program Oct. 9. Michigan employers can now apply for a share of $50 million in competitive …


Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Equity for Women and Native Americans

The October edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), focuses on health equity for women and Native Americans. Trustees should prioritize addressing the distinct needs of women for several …


A Holistic Approach to Workforce Management

Health systems and healthcare organizations are adapting to challenges posed by staffing shortages and a multigenerational workforce. The most successful facilities are taking a holistic approach by discarding staffing models of the past and embracing …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyU.S. Healthcare’s Existential Threat: Loss of Public Trust

“U.S. healthcare faces an existential threat: the loss of confidence and trust that the system is fair and more concerned about its profit than patient care. …

Studies show the erosion of public confidence and trust in the health system correlates to higher costs and suboptimal outcomes: when an individual thinks a clinician’s judgement might be clouded by a financial incentive, a hospital or drug price excessive and the provider prone to price gauging, or an insurer’s coverage determination arbitrary, doubt takes hold and trust plummets. …

The system issues are systemic and complicated. And no sector is capable of solving them alone: it requires all to collaborate based on a shared vision of its future but that vision does not exist. Until and unless a shared vision of the future of the U.S. health system is created, confidence and trust in the system will continue to erode and options for its future severely limited.” …

Paul Keckley, Oct. 16, 2023


T. Anthony Denton.

News to Know

Modern Healthcare recognized Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief environmental, social and governance officer, Michigan Medicine, as a 2023 Diversity Leader to Watch on Oct. 16.


 

MHA EVP Laura Appel discusses auto no-fault legislation with the Michigan Business Network.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 16 regarding auto no-fault legislation passed in the Michigan Senate and nurse staffing ratio legislation. The coverage is based on interviews conducted with MHA CEO Brian …

Protections for Healthcare Workers, Auto No-fault Bills Move in Michigan Legislature

capitol building

capitol building

Multiple bills monitored by the MHA moved in the Michigan Legislature during the week of Oct. 16.

Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was unanimously voted out of the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer, doubling the current fines for assault and assault with a deadly weapon. House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521 were introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden). A substitute adopted in committee expanded the care locations covered by the increased fines to include behavioral health facilities. Addressing violence against healthcare workers and deterring potential attacks continues to be an MHA priority. HBs 4520 and 4521 now move to the Senate Floor for a full chamber vote.

MHA supported bills to improve Michigan’s Amended Auto no-fault laws were passed by the full Michigan Senate in a bipartisan vote. Senate Bills (SBs) 530 and 531, introduced by Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), would simplify and increase Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarify the definition of Medicare and create a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. The MHA’s executive vice president of government relations and public policy, Laura Appel, testified in committee last week. Appel stressed the importance of a strong healthcare system to care for auto accident patients. The bills now move to the House for their consideration.

Senate Health Policy took testimony on SB 482, sponsored by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), which lifts the state’s 90 day disposal requirement on sharps containers. The MHA membership voiced concerns about the 90-day disposal requirement, sharing that it would lead to sealing and disposing of containers before they reached their ¾ fill mark. The FDA regulated containers can be costly and difficult to obtain, as hospitals experienced following a manufacturing facility fire, and further disposal of an underutilized container contributes to unnecessary and preventable medical waste. The MHA worked directly with Sen. McDonald Rivet on this legislation, based on the feedback of hospitals who shared concerns about cost, access and environmental impact. The MHA is supportive of this important policy change that will directly benefit the membership.

The governor also signed into law several bills intended to codify Affordable Care Act protections at the state level. House Bills 4619 – 4623 and Senate Bills 356 – 358 were signed by Gov. Whitmer on Oct. 19. The MHA is supportive of the package, which has been passed in at least 15 other states and would protect Michigan consumers in the event there were future amendments or judicial changes to the current federal law.

Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter.