Tag: Elizabeth Kutter

MHA Monday Report May 26, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

MHA Testifies in House Oversight Subcommittee, IMLC and AOT Legislation Passes Senate

The MHA provided testimony May 21 to the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security on certain challenges related to behavioral health patients and the need for inpatient psychiatric beds across the state. …

Medical Residents Highlight Workforce Needs During 2025 GME Capitol Day

The MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day welcomed more than 40 physician residents from a dozen member hospitals to the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center offices May 21 for a day of meetings with members …

MHA Keystone Center PSO to Hosts Two Safe Tables in June

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) will host two upcoming safe table events in June focused on cybersecurity risk management and regulatory inspections. These events offer healthcare leaders an opportunity to engage in …

Federal Agencies Pause Enforcement of 2024 Mental Health Parity Rule

The Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury recently announced that the 2024 final rule on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act will not be enforced, following a legal …

MHA and DataGen to Host Upcoming Medicare Quality-Based Program Webinars

The MHA has partnered with DataGen to host two upcoming webinars focused on the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs which can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6% based on performance. The webinars …

Today’s Students Are Tomorrow’s Workforce

The healthcare workforce has been a top priority for MHA’s members, an active pillar in the annual strategic action plan for several years. The healthcare profession is arguably one of the most rewarding career fields, leaving lasting impacts on communities. …

Keckley Report

The Winners and Losers in One Big Beautiful Bill

“This week, Republicans in the House will pass “One Big Beautiful Bill” they can forward to the Senate ahead of their self-imposed Memorial Day deadline. Its fate in the GOP controlled Senate is likely to be less partisan with a similar outcome: in some form, it will pass setting the stage for Campaign 2026 partisan posturing and continued chaos for most industries especially healthcare.  …

What’s clear is this: healthcare is suspected of widespread waste, poor performance and putting profits above patient care by lawmakers in DC, state capitals, non-healthcare business leaders and the majority of the public who think a shake-up is needed. Each organization in healthcare believes it operates for the greater good and delivers optimal value for funds received. The budgeting process prompts questions about who’s right.”

Paul Keckley, May 19, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled May 26 in honor of Memorial Day.
  • The MHA is seeking dedicated leaders to serve on its committees, councils and task forces, with the call for participation open through June 2, 2025.

Lauren LaPineMHA in the News

The MHA received news coverage during the week of May 19 highlighted by stories related to Mental Health Awareness Month and the need to expand state psychiatric bed capacity. Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and …

Medical Residents Highlight Workforce Needs During 2025 GME Capitol Day

Member News
Trinity physician residents pictured in the Anderson House Office Building.
Trinity Health physician residents pictured in the Anderson House Office Building.

The MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day welcomed more than 40 physician residents from a dozen member hospitals to the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center offices May 21 for a day of meetings with members of the Michigan Legislature and their staffs. Each group of residents met with a combination of lawmakers and legislative staff throughout the day, with conversations focusing on the importance of graduate medical education, physician residents in the healthcare continuum and Michigan’s future physician healthcare workforce talent pipeline. Residents also urged legislators to support bipartisan bills that protects healthcare workers from violence, to accompany Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023.

Meetings were held in the Michigan Capitol, the Anderson House Office Building and the Senate Binsfeld Office Building.

Participating lawmaker offices included:

  • Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Chair, Health Policy Committee
  • Representative Rachelle Smit (R-Martin), Speaker Pro Tempore
  • Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Senate Majority Floor Leader
  • Representative Joe Aragona (R-Clinton Twp.), Chair, Regulatory Reform Committee

Residents used and shared with lawmakers an infographic that provides facts regarding GME.

Members with questions on GME and state legislation related to the healthcare workforce may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Healthcare Legislation Advances in House, Senate

Member News

Numerous healthcare bills including the Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) budget advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of May 12.

House Bill (HB) 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), passed out of the House Health Policy Committee this week and will now move to the House Rules Committee for further consideration. HB 4246 adds Michigan to the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement and allows for nurses to practice in multiple states without the burden of applying for additional licenses. For Michigan, joining the Compact will help increase access to care, especially through telehealth services and support nurse recruitment and retention efforts. The MHA continues to support this legislation as it advances in the legislature.

Additionally, a bill to add Michigan back into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact was introduced this week by Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant). After formal introduction, Senate Bill (SB) 303 was sent to the Senate Health Policy Committee for further consideration. The MHA fully supports the re-enactment of Michigan in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact agreement.

Lastly, the MDHHS Appropriations Budget for fiscal year 2025-26 passed through the full Senate chamber. No significant hospital changes were made in this final Senate budget iteration after the bill was previously reported out of its subcommittee. The MHA’s priorities, including funding for Medicaid, the rural and obstetrical stabilization pools, peer recovery coaches and maternal health, were maintained. The MHA will continue to support these funding proposals and advocate for more resources dedicated to behavioral health and access.

Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report April 28, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Testifies on Nurse Licensure Compact Bills, Senate Passes Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Momnibus Legislation

The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the …

GME Capitol Day Approaches May 21

The MHA is hosting the 2025 MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 21 in Lansing. The event is an opportunity for Michigan’s physician residents from teaching hospitals and academic …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the …

MHA Unemployment Compensation Program Receives Award for Outstanding Performance

The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) April 24 for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide, web-based system SIDES for receiving new claims and responding to …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities

The CMS recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the per-diem …

Celebrate Patient Experience Week with Upcoming Webinars

The MHA is offering ways for hospital staff to engage during Patient Experience Week (April 28-May 2), to support and amplify patient-centered care. The upcoming Patient and Family Engagement Improvement Sprint webinar series, hosted …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

The CMS recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the …

MHA Virtual Member Forum Focuses on Cyberattack Response

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, is hosting a cybersecurity and cyberattack response virtual member forum from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 9. This free, members-only event features six …

The Power of Patient-Centered Care

It’s no secret that patient experience within hospitals and health systems has evolved over the years – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. With Patient Experience Week (PX Week) around the corner, it’s a good time to recognize the …

Keckley Report

Tax Exempt Status for Not-for-Profit Hospitals: The Debate Ahead

“Tax exemptions for hospitals are not a new topic inside healthcare, but lately they’ve drawn outside attention from regulators and in media. They seem to be asking ‘Do not-for-profit hospitals deserve their tax breaks?’ …

Hospitals face a headwind, especially those that are tax-exempt. Every U.S. hospital is reeling from the uncertainty surrounding the Kennedy (HHS)-Oz (CMS)-Makary (FDA) trifecta that will regulate hospital affairs in the next few months. Every hospital is feeling heat from disgruntled physicians and worn-out frontline caregivers. Every hospital is worried about how tariffs will impact supply chain costs and all are taking a cautious approach to major capital projects. And all face increased pushback from state legislators who think price controls on hospitals might be the answer.

For Rick Pollack and team at the American Hospital Association, it’s not business as usual. The hospital big tent is under duress. And NFP tax exempt hospitals might be where it’s hottest. Large employers have targeted large NFP systems for cost reduction and Congress appears poised to impose restrictions on NFPs intended to rein-in what some consider excesses under the protection of tax-exempt status. …

Spending in healthcare at current levels is not sustainable. NFP system say the health of the communities they serve is their highest priority, though many limit their attention to lucrative services while neglecting others that might pay longer-term dividends in public health.

Utopian? Yes, but necessary. Actions not taken by NFP systems to demonstrate they deserve their tax exemptions is risky. And lack of will to adopt minimal standards will ultimately mean exemptions are linked to charity-care only.

In 2025 and beyond, tax exemptions for not-for-profit hospitals will garner attention. They’re not guaranteed and they’re under attack.”

Paul Keckley, April 21, 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.
  • Registration is now open for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 25 through 27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Members are encouraged to register by May 23 to attend this memorable event. 

Jim Lee speaks with Mid-Michigan NOW about AI.

MHA in the News

Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, appeared in a story about artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare aired by Mid-Michigan NOW on April 23. Lee discussed how AI is being used by …

MHA Testifies on Nurse Licensure Compact Bills, Senate Passes Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Momnibus Legislation

Member News

The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the week of April 20.

House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), would create a nurse licensure compact agreement in the state of Michigan. Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee. Brown and Kutter discussed the importance of the compact in terms of nurse recruitment and patient access to care across state lines, especially with border states.

Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee.

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

Currently, there are 41 states participating in the compact, putting Michigan at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent in the nursing profession. This legislation awaits further testimony in the House Health Policy Committee before being taken up for a vote.

Additionally, the Michigan Senate passed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). Senate Bills (SBs) 3–5 establish the board and require both commercial insurance and Medicaid to adhere to upper payment limits developed for certain prescription drugs being reviewed by the board. The objective of the PDAB is to provide more opportunities for prescription drug affordability for Michigan residents. The MHA worked closely with bill sponsors to secure key amendments that recognize hospitals as entities that face drug affordability challenges. Following the adoption of these important changes, the MHA supported SBs 3-5.

The Michigan Senate passed the Momnibus, a group of bills designed to improve support in prenatal and maternal healthcare during the week of April 13. The legislation includes SBs 29–39, which focus on addressing improving access to care and ensuring better patient outcomes for all birthing individuals.

The Momnibus makes several changes aimed at improving maternal healthcare, including creating opportunities for patients to directly engage in their treatment experience, implementing policies that support patient rights and providing funding to train more doulas to work in both urban and rural areas. The bills also expand midwifery services, improve data transparency about maternal health outcomes and protect patient rights related to pregnancy and childbirth. The MHA worked closely with the bill sponsors to improve access to maternal care and supported SBs 29, 30, 31, 36, 38 and 39. Both Senate bill packages will now move to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration. The MHA will continue to report on further action on this legislation.

Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

GME Capitol Day Approaches May 21

Member News

The MHA is hosting the 2025 MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 21 in Lansing. The event is an opportunity for Michigan’s physician residents from teaching hospitals and academic medical centers to meet with legislators to discuss the vital role GME health professionals play in the healthcare continuum and other legislative issues facing physician residents and medical students in Michigan.

Physician residents, GME program administrators and directors are encouraged to register by May 9. Due to legislative schedules and meeting space limitations, each participating group is encouraged to register no more than three physician residents per hospital.

Members with questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Member Provides Testimony to House Health Policy Committee; Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Bills Clear Committee

Member News

The House Health Policy Committee heard testimony from stakeholders on legislation to establish a Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact in the state and Occupational Therapy (OT) Licensure Compact bills were voted to the House floor during the week of April 14.

Mandy Shelast, president, Marshfield Medical Center- Dickinson provided testimony on zoom in support of the PA Licensure Compact.

House Bill (HB) 4309, sponsored by Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), would add Michigan into the PA Licensure Compact, which is an interstate licensure compact allowing PAs to practice in other states participating within the compact. Other states that belong to the compact include Ohio, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Minnesota, Virginia, Delaware, Tennessee, Maine, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, Colorado, Montana and Washington. MHA member Mandy Shelast, president, Marshfield Medical Center- Dickinson, provided testimony in support of the legislation and shared how the compact would address specific logistical barriers in access to care at her facility in the Upper Peninsula.

HB 4103, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and HB 4104, sponsored by Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), were reported with recommendation to the House floor. These MHA supported bills create a licensure compact agreement for occupational therapists in the state. The MHA looks forward to continued movement on these bills that seek to improve workforce development and access to care.

Members with additional questions may reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA to host GME Capitol Day May 21

Member News

The MHA is hosting the 2025 MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. May 21 in Lansing. The event is an opportunity for Michigan’s physician residents from teaching hospitals and academic medical centers to meet with legislators to discuss the vital importance of GME health professionals and other legislative issues facing physician residents and medical students in the state.

Physician residents, GME program administrators and directors are encouraged to register by May 9. Due to legislative schedules and meeting space limitations, each participating group is encouraged to register no more than three physician residents per hospital.

Members with questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Healthcare Laws Set to Take Effect April 2025

Member News

More than 30 healthcare laws signed by Gov. Whitmer from last term are set to take effect on or after April 1. Some of these laws include state level Affordable Care Act (ACA) codifications, increased access to telehealth services, elimination of Medicaid work requirements in state law, access to maternal health resources and services and much more. The MHA worked extensively with state lawmakers to ensure hospital voices were represented throughout the legislative process and looks forward to the enactment of supported legislation.

The MHA created a comprehensive overview of the laws taking effect for members.

Members with additional questions may reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

Senate Hears MHA Testimony on Medicaid; Licensure Compact House Bills Advance

Member News

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) heard testimony from the MHA on Medicaid funding and various licensure compact bills advanced in the House during the week of March 17.

The MHA provided testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee of the DHHS in regard to recent federal funding threats to Medicaid. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, shared how recent federal proposals could be devastating to patients, providers, hospitals and communities while leaving the state responsible for several billion dollars’ worth of funding. Carlson noted that Michigan Medicaid is the single largest payer for long-term care, maternity care and mental health services. Dr. Phillip Rogers, chair of Family Medicine at Michigan Medicine, further illustrated the importance of the program by sharing powerful patient stories. The MHA will continue to collaborate with lawmakers on this issue and oppose any efforts at the federal level that threaten Medicaid funding.

A number of bills related to licensure compact agreements advanced in the state House. House Bill (HB) 4101, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), and HB 4102, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming), received testimony in the House Health Policy Committee on March 19.

The bills, collectively, create a licensure compact agreement for physical therapists in the state of Michigan. In addition to this, HB 4103, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), and HB 4104, sponsored by Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), also were part of the committee hearing. Similarly, these bills create a licensure compact agreement for occupational therapists in the state. Finally, HB 4246 was introduced by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington) and referred to the House Health Policy Committee. This legislation creates the interstate nurse licensure compact to help strengthen our workforce and enhances patients’ access to care. The MHA supports the aforementioned bills and looks forward to further action.

Members with additional questions may reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.