MHA Endorsed Business Partner Managed Care Advisory Group, Inc. (MCAG) provided an update on the Visa Mastercard class action settlement. A $5.54 billion settlement has been reached for merchants to compensate for excessive interchange fees, with pre-populated claim forms sent to eligible class members by the settlement administrator in December 2023. The deadline for submitting a claim form is May 31, 2024. Eligible entities are advised to thoroughly review the form and information on the administrator’s portal to ensure expected compensation, with MCAG’s experts available to assist in reviewing figures and maximizing settlements. For more information or to sign up, visit MCAG’s website for MHA members, where their experienced team can guide members through the process. Members may contact Adam Schmidt, vice president of business development at MCAG, for further details on the settlement monitoring service.
The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Michigan Regional Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MI PQC) to offer an additional networking opportunity for members attending the Michigan Maternal & Infant Health Summit. The event will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17. Registration is required and separate from the Michigan Maternal & Infant Health Summit registration. Members with questions may contact Andrew Syrek at the MHA.
In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the MHA Keystone Center developed a series of online learning modules for infection control and prevention education. The modules cater to the needs of healthcare systems in Michigan and are available at no cost. The central objective of the six-part course is to provide healthcare workers with the vital knowledge and competencies required to engage in critical thinking about infection control via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Project Firstline Members with questions may contact Josh Suire at the MHA.
Members are encouraged to register for a free webinar from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. ET March 20 to learn why onsite risk assessments are important. The MHA Keystone Center partnered with HSS in 2023 to provide onsite physical safety and risk assessments for several Michigan hospital partners.
The MHA will host a webinar with ModusOne Health to help members maximize quality metrics and reimbursements from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET on March 27. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused its Feb. 7 meeting on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support and innovation, viability, behavioral health improvement, health equity and more. The board was joined by Bruce Brandes, president, care.ai, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP). Brandes provided a strategic overview for how AI and ambient intelligence is transforming care delivery models. care.ai sponsored a joint lunch for MHA and MHASC board members and provided an update on its Smart Care Facility Operating Platform. The MHASC is planning to launch new Endorsed Business Partners and innovative solutions in the coming months.
The MHA Human Resources (HR) & Workforce Council met Jan. 30 to discuss current HR priorities and review its role in advancing the mission of the MHA and the role of human resource leaders. The council provided input on legislative and regulatory issues relevant to healthcare employers, including diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, workplace safety and workforce development. Members provided feedback on current workforce-related legislative efforts and shared valuable insights with colleagues during a round-table session addressing 2024 priorities, innovative ideas, lessons learned and more. The HR Council is looking forward to networking with colleagues at the upcoming MHA HR Conference on March 5.
The MHASC provides critical support to the MHA in the form of non-dues revenue through its Data Services, Unemployment Compensation Program and EBP program. The MHASC’s mission is to deliver innovative solutions that help improve value and performance, addressing various business needs including workforce, supply chain, revenue cycle, strategic growth solutions and more. Members are encouraged to visit the MHA Business Services webpage to learn more about the resources available.
Questions regarding the MHASC Board should be directed to Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.
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.
Jenifer Monzo, RN, BAS, CPHRM, director of Quality and Risk Management at McKenzie Health System and Stephen Weiler, IPEM, MEP, CPP, CPD, manager of Resiliency Services at HSS joined virtually for the January episode of the MiCare Champion Cast.
The January 2024 episode, which explores workplace violence resources for Michigan hospitals, features Jenifer Monzo, RN, BAS, CPHRM, director of Quality and Risk Management at McKenzie Health System and Stephen Weiler, IPEM, MEP, CPP, CPD, manager of Resiliency Services at HSS.
Monzo and Weiler, who share years of experience and education in healthcare safety, discuss the reality of workplace violence in hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, healthcare workers are about five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries.
“What I see is that they’re getting tired, warn out, and frustrated,” said Monzo, who has a background in nursing herself. “We have a fantastic team and they’re a great support to each other…we’re doing everything we can to let them know that we’re working our best to keep them safe.”
In December 2023, Gov. Whitmer signed into law House Bills 4520 and 4521, which increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer. Now referred to as Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, the financial fines are doubled for those found guilty of assault towards a healthcare worker or volunteer.
To enhance workplace safety, McKenzie Health System formed a partnership with HSS through support from the MHA Keystone Center and grant funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. As a result, McKenzie teams are receiving tailored resources and training that address the specific needs of the system.
“Learn from your experiences and learn from your staff,” said Monzo. “Listen to what they’re concerns are and let them know what you’ve done, what you’re doing and that you’re interested in continued feedback to keep making improvements.”
Weiler details the “soup to nuts” approach taken by HSS to support hospitals like McKenzie throughout the state and country. Their offerings include in-person practical skills training and education, security and risk assessments, emergency management services and much, much more.
MHA-member hospitals interested in receiving support for safety and quality initiatives are encouraged to submit their OSHA data to the MHA Keystone Center. Members with questions about the program or consideration requirements can contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.
HSS, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP), is a leader in healthcare, airport, and government facility security – as well as emergency and aggression management training, security systems integration, and medical equipment management services. To learn more and to request to be considered to become an EBP, contact the MHA or MHA Business Development Consultant Brian Stevens at (972) 768-5755.
