MHA Monday Report Dec. 15, 2025

Unemployment Benefit Waiver Bill Clears Senate; International Physician Legislation Advances

Legislation to waive the collection of improper unemployment benefits cleared the Michigan Senate in a unanimous vote, while bills creating a new pathway for internationally educated physicians advanced in the House during the week of …


2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Registration Now Open

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026. In partnership with Executive Core, two power-packed modules in February and May will feature leadership 360 feedback with personalized executive coaching, the …


Survey Seeks Insights on Rural Veterans’ Healthcare Needs

A needs assessment survey supported by the Michigan Center for Rural Health, the Improving Veterans Access to Healthcare and the Frontier Veterans program is seeking to identify the needs of veterans and their providers in …


MDHHS Launches 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey for Public Health Laboratory Partners

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Laboratories is inviting public health partners to complete the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey by Dec. 31, 2025, to gather feedback that will help improve statewide …


Building Trust and Access to Key Services Addressed by MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council held its second meeting of the program year Dec. 4, diving into priority areas outlined in the 2025-26 MHA Strategic Action Plan. Guided by co-chairs Jeremy Cannon, …


Members of the Henry Ford Health Doula Program team.

Hospitals Help: Henry Ford Health’s Hospital-Based Doula Program

To help address the alarming rate of maternal and infant mortality, Detroit-based Henry Ford Health established a hospital-based doula program in 2024 that makes a trained professional available to provide emotional, physical and educational support …


Keckley Report

Health system transformation: why outsiders want it and insiders resist

“Key Takeaways:

  • A challenging economic climate means continuing health industry profitability is unlikely.  
  • The majority of Americans want systemic changes the system’s insiders resist.
  • Longterm, inattention to structural flaws will result in an inadequate public utility that serves all but a few that can afford more. …

As a result, the health industry’s become an enemy to the population it’s pledged to serve. Institutional distrust for government, organized religion and big business now includes the health system, especially among young Americans. …”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 7, 2025


News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth is offering an opportunity to help members get ahead of 2026 budget pressures in coding and clinical documentation improvement.


MHA in the News

Common Ground published a story Dec. 9 on the behavioral health collaborative that the MHA has launched to address postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. Lauren LaPine-Ray, vice president, policy and rural health, MHA, is …

2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Registration Now Open

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026. In partnership with Executive Core, two power-packed modules in February and May will feature leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, the development of advanced business acumen and the opportunity for intimate discussion with senior healthcare leaders.

The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at MHA Headquarters in Okemos. Organizations can recognize rising healthcare leaders and strengthen their teams by registering participants for the program. Class size is limited.

For more information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Webinar to Review MHA 2025-26 Strategic Action Plan

The MHA will host a virtual member forum from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 to outline the MHA 2025-26 Strategic Action Plan (SAP) approved by the MHA Board of Trustees.

The 2025-26 SAP maintains a focus on key priorities, including keeping community hospitals open to provide high-quality care for patients 24/7, supporting caregivers and continuing to grow the healthcare workforce, partnering with others to help communities stay healthy, and enhancing support for mental and behavioral healthcare.

The member webinar will share the elements of this year’s plan and help members learn effective ways to connect with thought leaders in their community to support hospitals and healthcare providers in these challenging times.

There is no cost to attend, but members are asked to register by Nov. 5. Access information for the virtual session will be sent Nov. 6. Questions about the member forum can be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Deadline Nearing to Register for the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium

The April 18 registration deadline is quickly approaching for the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 –29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.

Multiple breakout sessions, led by clinical teams researching and implementing best practices, will address key quality and safety priorities such as creating a zero-harm culture, situational awareness, reducing mental health sigma, building wellbeing, supporting family caregivers and improving data.

Kara Heck, MHA, BSN, RN-BC, CCRN, chair of the MHA Safety & Quality Committee, provides a testimonial about her decision to attend and her recommendation that colleagues do the same. The online detailed agenda outlines the numerous learning opportunities.

Numerous networking opportunities, whether in the exhibit hall, during structured lunch discussions or during evening dine-arounds, give members the chance to reconnect with leaders and build new relationships.

The symposium offers continuing education credits for physicians, nursing and social workers*. For more information about the symposium, members may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about event registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.

*For more details, please visit the online Continuing Education Accreditation Statement.

Michigan HR Professionals Gather at the MHA Human Resources Conference

MHA Human Resources Conference March 25, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lansing.

More than 100 healthcare human resources (HR) professionals from across the state gathered at the MHA Human Resources Conference March 25 in Lansing. Attendees participated in small group discussions that developed innovative ideas focused on workplace culture and community partnerships. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to network, listen, learn and collaborate on solutions to the challenges facing Michigan hospitals and health systems.

Attendees engaged in remarks from The Advisory Board on how Michigan hospitals can reimagine the clinical care team responsibilities by leveraging technology to deploy AI tools to collect vital signs and system integration with electronic medical records to automate charting. This gives time back to the workforce, optimizes care workflows and empowers the care team.

The MHA values the presence and participation of sponsors of the HR Conference, whose support strengthened the impact of the event. Sponsors were represented by a variety of companies and organizations involved in the workforce solutions space, including AMN Healthcare, Brogan, Executive Core, LLC, HPS, Michigan Academy of Physician Associates, Michigan Health Council, Salary.com, Vault Verify and Western Governors University.

Members with questions should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

News to Know – March 10, 2025

New to Know
  • New to KnowThe MHA Human Resources Conference is quickly approaching on March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing. Members must register by March 14 to network with colleagues, learn best practices and earn 5.25 credit hours for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.  Members with questions about registration may contact Brenda Carr at the MHA. Questions regarding the conference should be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief surveySubmissions can include efforts big or small that are improving the overall health, wellness and quality of life of patients and communities. Throughout the year, these programs will be featured on the MiCareMatters website and shared across MHA digital platforms. For more information, members may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium Approved for CE Credits

Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 & 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. The symposium, offering continuing education credits for physicians, nursing and social workers,* is designed for clinical teams across the continuum of care, quality, safety and risk professionals, person and family advocates and healthcare executives.

With premier speakers, interactive breakout sessions with a variety of topics and a registration fee half the price of most national patient safety conferences, the MHA Safety & Quality Symposium is an exceptional value. The content explores today’s most critical issues, like cyberattack downtime preparedness to decrease patient risk, creating a zero-harm environment, normalizing workforce members help-seeking and strengthening their wellbeing, and reducing health disparities. The online detailed agenda outlines the numerous learning opportunities.

A discounted overnight room rate is available through March 27 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center and room reservations will be confirmed based on availability. Find the discount code for the hotel rooms in the “things to know” section of the event webpage.

For more information about the symposium, contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about event registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.

*For more details, please visit the online Continuing Education Accreditation Statement.

Accommodations Deadline Approaching for MHA Human Resources Conference

The Feb. 21 accommodations deadline is approaching for the highly anticipated 2025 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing.

After a day of networking and peer-to-peer collaboration, attendees will hear insights from human resources guru Tim Sackett. In his closing remarks, Sackett will share the key elements of a high-performing culture and explain the connection between well-being and performance. Additionally, he will share strategies for creating a more supportive, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

The MHA Human Resources Conference is valid for 5.25 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

An overnight room rate of $152 for hotel guest rooms is available for MHA Human Resources Conference attendees (rooms subject to state and local taxes). Room reservations can be made by contacting the Crowne Plaza directly (877-322-5544) and mentioning the MHA to receive a discounted rate. Reservations can also be made online using “MHA” as a group access code. After the Feb. 21 deadline, room reservations and rates will be confirmed based on availability.

Members are encouraged to register now or contact Brenda Carr at the MHA for assistance. Questions about the conference should be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Registration Now Open for Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium

Registration is now open for the highly anticipated re-designed MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 – 29, 2025 at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.

Keynote speaker, Gerald B. Hickson, MD, will explore building and sustaining systems that support a commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care while modeling respect for patients and coworkers, with established safety practices. As the current chair of the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI), Hickson will also provide an update on IHI initiatives in which attendees can be involved.

The symposium is designed for clinical teams across the continuum of care, quality and safety professionals, healthcare executives and business leaders, and person and family advocates.

An overnight room rate of $144 for hotel guest rooms has been secured for the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium attendees (rooms subject to state and local taxes). Room reservations can be made by contacting the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center directly at 800-875-5090. Mention the MHA to receive the discounted rate. Reservations may also be made online with a group access code 2504MIHEAL. After the cut-off date of March 27, room reservations and rates will be confirmed based on availability.

For more information on the symposium, members may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 27, 2025

Legislation on Maternal Healthcare Access and Preserving Healthy Michigan Plan Coverage Becomes Law

Gov. Whitmer signed several bills Jan. 21 aimed at improving maternal healthcare access, equity and outcomes, as well as preserving eligibility for those under the Healthy Michigan Plan. The MHA worked extensively with bill sponsors …


Legislative Policy Panel Acts on AI & Credentialing Policy

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually Jan. 22 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting began with Carlos Jackson from The Cornerstone Group, the MHA’s Washington DC-based government …


Now Accepting Nominations for the 2025 MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award

The MHA is now accepting nominations for its 2025 MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award. Michigan hospitals and health systems have a long-standing commitment to offering a wide range of services that enhance the health and …


Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Update

The MHA updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on December 2024 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service and …


Registration Open for 2025 Human Resources Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing. The event offers attendees an opportunity to expand their …


YesRx Hosts Cancer Medication Donation Drive

The MHA is committed to efforts that expand access to services and mitigate barriers to timely and effective treatments. YesRx is a statewide cancer drug repository program, accepting donations of unopened cancer medications through partnerships …


MHA Podcast Explores Strategies to Enhance Workplace Safety, Security

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring the latest on healthcare workplace safety with Brian Uridge, MPA, CPP, CHPA, CTM, senior director at the University of Michigan Department of Public …


Keckley Report

Game On: Team Trump aims to Shake up Healthcare with Rules, Laws, Appointments and Swagger

“Hovering over Team Trump’s agenda is the reality that Americans think the country is heading in the wrong direction and trust in its institutions including the health system is at a historic low. Restoring confidence will be a gargantuan task.

Team Trump will use Executive Orders, personnel appointments, court challenges, and legislation to advance its healthcare agenda powered by its ‘take no prisoners’ operating mode whereby the ends are justified by means. Every sector in healthcare will be impacted, some more than others. … Reacting to changes in the current environment of U.S. healthcare resulting from Team Trump is necessary and time-consuming, but neglecting thoughtful consideration about the system’s long-term future and its role in “improving the state of the world” is fatalistic.  Both need attention.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 20, 2024


News to Know

The MHA will host the webinar How Federal Grant Funding Covers IT Department Costs Feb. 7 with Endorsed Business Partner Scaled Data Health to share how government funding, along with their innovative programs, can save hospitals significant dollars.