GME - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation Introduced

June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 Member News

Legislation to address violence against healthcare workers was introduced June 3 in the Michigan House of Representatives.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced House Bills (HB) 4532 – 4535 to address violence against healthcare workers in the state. The bills, sponsored by Representatives Natalie Price (D-Berkley), Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar), Phil Green (R-Watertown Township) and Kara Hope (D-Holt), strengthen penalties for individuals that engage in violent behavior and actions towards staff and volunteers working within a healthcare setting. In addition to strengthening these penalties, the bills create an assisted outpatient treatment pathway for those who have engaged in violent behavior in a healthcare setting, who are experiencing mental and behavioral health issues – providing support and structure for individuals coping with a mental illness.

Resident physicians had the opportunity during the MHA Graduate Medical Education Advocacy Day May 21 to highlight the importance of bipartisan legislation that protects healthcare workers from violence and share information with legislators to advocate on this issue further. HBs 4532-4535 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. The MHA has worked diligently with the bill sponsors to get this legislation introduced and looks forward to the continued movement of this initiative to promote the safety and well-being of Michigan’s healthcare workforce.

Members with additional questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report May 26, 2025

May 26, 2025May 23, 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

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Federal Agencies Pause Enforcement of 2024 Mental Health Parity Rule

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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

News 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.

MHA 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

May 22, 2025May 23, 2025 Member News

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.

MHA Monday Report May 13, 2024

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 Monday Report

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Preparedness and Resources

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Public Relations Professionals Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

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MHA Hosts Successful Virtual Care Models Webinar

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The Keckley Report

Is the Health System the Next Target for Campus Unrest?

“In my 4Q 2023 Keckley Poll, distinctions between the views of the college-age population and older adults about the health system were surprising: though college age adults use the health system less than others, they share a widespread belief it’s flawed and in need of fundamental change. They believe the profit in healthcare is more important than its caring and they’re open to government policies that might rein in its corporatization. …

The U.S. system is an unlikely target for campus unrest today but a likely target tomorrow. College student interaction with the health system is episodic: student health is a backstop for their bouts with depression, substance abuse, STIs, chronic conditions and accidents. Insurance and payment are concerns, and impressions from childhood household circumstances flavor their impressions of how the system operates. But what they’re seeing is key: the most heralded organizations in healthcare are associated with their size, financial success and the personal wealth of their executives. In college circles, Wall Street success seems more important than Main Street authenticity, transparency, environmental consciousness, fairness and humility. Like the majority of Americans, their views about the health system are anecdotal and regretfully negative. …”

Paul Keckley, May 6, 2024