MHA Monday Report Jan. 26, 2026

House Appropriations Committee Hears RHTP Testimony, IMLC Bill Advances

The Michigan House Appropriations Committee heard testimony on federal funding awarded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), and legislation to add Michigan back into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) advanced during the week of Jan. 19.  The House Appropriations Committee heard …


Legislative Policy Panel Hears Legislative Updates

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually Jan. 21 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting began with guest speakers from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and The Cornerstone …


CMS Implements New Online Form for Medicare Advantage Complaints

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently implemented a new online form for providers to submit complaints related to Medicare Advantage plans. A CMS memorandum announced the implementation of the form, which is …


MHA Launches Rural Health Transformation Program Webpage

The MHA has launched a new webpage dedicated to the Rural Health Transformation Program, providing members with a centralized source of information on Michigan’s participation in the program. The webpage includes an overview of …


Updates to Michigan’s Reporter Protocols for Infants Born Exposed to Substances

Michigan has updated its mandated reporter guidance for infants born exposed to substances, establishing distinct reporting requirements for exposure to non-medically prescribed substances and exposure related to prescribed treatment. The updates are intended to clarify …


Webinar Explores Strategies to Strengthen Revenue Integrity

The MHA and MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare Revenue Cycle Solutions will host A Tale of Three Health Systems: Their Mid-Revenue Cycle Insights and Road to Revenue Integrity webinar from 11 to 11:50 …


Hospitals Help: Corewell Health Program Addresses Youth Vaping Prevention, Cessation

Rural schools in Newaygo County, like so many across Michigan, were seeing an increase in the number of students caught vaping. To address this community-wide concern, Corewell Health Gerber Hospital established the Corewell Health Gerber …


Keckley Report

CMS’ 2024 Health Spending Report: Key Insights

“As media attention focused on Minneapolis, Greenland and Venezuela last week, the Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) released its 2024 Health Expenditures report Thursday: the headline was “Health care spending in the US reached $5.3 trillion and increased 7.2% in 2024, similar to growth of 7.4% in 2023, as increased demand for health care influenced this two-year trend. “…

The current environment for the healthcare economy is increasingly hostile to the status quo. Voters think the system is wasteful, needlessly complicated and profitable. Lawmakers think it’s no man’s land for substantive change, defaulting to price transparency, increased competition and state regulation in response. Private employers, who’ve bear the brunt of the system’s ineffectiveness, are timid and reformers are impractical about the role of private capital in the health economy’s financing.

The healthcare economy will be an issue in Campaign 2026 not because aggregate spending increased 7-8% in 2025 per CMS, but because it’s no longer justifiable to a majority of Americans for whom it’s simply not affordable. Regrettably, as noted in Corporate Board Member’s director surveys, only one in five healthcare Boards is doing scenario planning with this possibility in mind.

Paul Keckley, Jan. 18, 2026


New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council met virtually Jan. 15 to identify ways to support the MHA strategic action plan.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the webinar Proactive Cyber Risk Measures from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 29.
  • The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos.

 

MHA Monday Report Jan. 12, 2026

MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Applications Due Feb. 6

The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. HCLA, in partnership with Executive Core, has been …


MHA Joins Coalition Letter Opposing Federal Redefinition of Professional Degrees

The MHA joined a statewide coalition in signing a letter to Michigan’s congressional delegation expressing concern about a proposed federal change that would remove several health professions, including nursing and behavioral health fields, from the …


Webinar to Highlight Effective Cyber Incident Response

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the webinar Proactive Cyber Risk Measures from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 29. The session will feature speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber …


MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — 2026, A Pivotal Year for Healthcare

As we look toward the year ahead, one thing is clear: healthcare will remain at the forefront of public debate. We’ve seen time and again how healthcare delivery is shaped by policy decisions. …


Keckley Report

Healthcare 2026: Three Realities

“Congress returns to DC this week to debate the merits of extending the advanced premium tax credits that enable coverage for 4 million in a climate of high anxiety about U.S. intervention in Venezuela and heightened tension with Russia and China.

Each sector in healthcare—hospitals, physician services, long-term care, insurers, life science manufacturers, enablers and advisors—is vulnerable. None welcomes unflattering attention and all spend heavily on messaging and advocacy to protect themselves.  All recognize the elephant in the room—large employers that have patiently funded the system’s profitability and value protective regulation that limit disruption. And in all, implementation of AI solutions that lower operating costs and streamline performance is THE immediate priority.

The realities of 2026 for healthcare are foreboding: business as usual is not an option.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 4, 2026


MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of Jan. 5, covering the increasing rate of flu-related hospitalizations in Michigan. Both Bridge and Michigan Public published stories during the week based on interviews with Jim …

MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Applications Due Feb. 6

The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy (HCLA) is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos.

HCLA, in partnership with Executive Core, has been a staple of the MHA, with more than 125 physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals completing the academy. The two power-packed modules featured in the coursework provide participants with Leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, an exploration of best practices balanced with patient outcomes and valuable discussions with senior healthcare leaders.

2025 HCLA cohort participant Megan Cahill, DO, MBA, division chief of medicine, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, highlighted the program’s impact on her leadership development. Cahill noted the value of learning how to coach and mentor leaders more effectively within her organization, as well as gaining new perspectives on how to apply existing tools in more intentional ways. She also emphasized the role of 360-degree leadership feedback and personalized coaching in strengthening her self-awareness and leadership approach.

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

News to Know – Dec. 22, 2025

New to Know

New to Know

  • The MHA will offer the Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026, with cohorts meeting Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at MHA Headquarters in Okemos. In partnership with Executive Core, the program features two immersive modules focused on leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, advanced business acumen and intimate discussions with senior healthcare leaders; class size is limited. For more information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the webinar Proactive Cyber Risk Measures on Jan. 29 with speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber Command Center and other organizations. Members are encouraged to register for a first-hand look at what happens when a real cyber incident occurs, including proactive steps organizations can take to accelerate recovery and reduce impact.
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 12. Member alerts and MHA newsroom articles will continue to be published during that time to provide relevant updates to the MHA membership, as necessary.

 

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.

MHA Monday Report Jan.13, 2025

103rd Legislature Begins With Introduction of Earned Sick Time Bills

The Michigan Legislature officially commenced their 103rd session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, including the introduction of legislation to amend Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act . The session brings a new partisan divide with the Senate …


HHS Submits New HIPAA Security Proposed Rule

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently submitted a proposed rule to update the HIPAA Security Rule and enhance the protection of electronic protected health information. The changes aim to address the …


Healthcare Leadership Academy Enrollment Deadline Approaches

The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 3. The cohort meets Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 and 11 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. The Healthcare Leadership Academy, in partnership …


Applications Open for New Medicare Funded Rural Residency Slots

Qualifying rural hospitals may now apply for new residency positions created by Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and Section 4122 of the CAA of 2023, which allow hospitals to expand …


HRSA Announces Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recently announced the establishment of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program, which trains physicians to become addiction medicine specialists. The program aims to expand the number of fellows at …


Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program Application Released

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering the Behavioral Health Internship Stipend Program, a key initiative aimed at increasing Michigan’s behavioral health workforce. Now in its second year, the program provides up …


Nominations Open for 2025 Hometown Health Hero Award

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Hometown Health Hero Award. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that made a meaningful impact on improving the health of their community.


MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Impacting Communities

As we turn the page on 2024 (and celebrate our success in preventing harmful government-mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, as well as harmful changes to our medical liability system, during the lame-duck session of the legislature), …


Keckley Report

The Two Events that Changed U.S. Healthcare for Everyone

In late 2025, two events reset the U.S. health system’s future at least through 2026 and possibly beyond…

Transforming the U.S. health system is a bodacious ambition for the incoming Trump team. Early wins will be key—like expanding price transparency in every healthcare sector, softening restrictions on private equity investments, targeted cuts in Medicaid and Medicare funding and annulment of the Inflation Reduction Act. In tandem, it has promised to cut Federal government spending by $2 trillion and lower prices on everything including housing and healthcare—the two spending categories of highest concern to the working class. Healthcare will figure prominently in Team Trump’s agenda for 2025 and posturing for its 2026 mid-term campaign. And equally important, healthcare costs also figure prominently in quarterly earnings reports for companies that provide employee health benefits forecast to be 8% higher this year following a 7% spike the year prior. Last year’s 23% S&P growth is not expected to repeat this year raising shareholder anxiety and the economy’s long-term resilience and the large roles housing and healthcare play in its performance.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 6, 2025Lauren LaPine


MHA in the News

Second Wave Michigan published a story Jan. 7 on how state officials, healthcare providers and community organizations are focusing on expanding the continuum of care for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Lauren LaPine, senior …

 

MHA Monday Report Dec. 16, 2024

340B Hospital Protections Advance, Medical Liability Blocked During Busy Lame Duck

Various healthcare bills, including increased 340B protections for healthcare providers, received attention by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Dec. 9. Senate Bill 1179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and which …


mha advancing safe care awardNominations Open for 2025 Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA is accepting nominations for its annual Advancing Safe Care Award to recognize Michigan hospitals that are tackling issues daily to make care safer and more dependable. Eligible nominees include teams from hospitals across the state …


MHA Keystone Center PSO to Host Structured Communications Safe Table

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is facilitating a virtual safe table from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. The Structured Communication Safe Table will be led by I-PASS Patient Safety Institute. …


MHA and Partners Host Section 1557 Webinar Addressing Language Services

The MHA hosted the Section 1557 Readiness Workshop Dec. 10 with MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) AMN Language Services as part of the ongoing effort to advance the health of individuals and communities. This session …


Upcoming Opportunities to Learn, Network and Grow in 2025

In 2025, the MHA will host the second Human Resources Conference and welcome back the MHA Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium for the first time since 2019. Both events have been developed alongside MHA …


2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Approved for More Than 30 Credit Hours

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2025. 32 credit hours are available for physicians, nurses and healthcare executives. In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two …


Keckley Report

In Healthcare, Most think We’re Shrewd and They’re Screwed

“The majority accept that operators in every sector of healthcare apply business practices intended to optimize their organization’s finances. Best practices for every insurer, hospital, drug/device manufacturer and medical practice include processes and procedures to maximize revenues, minimize costs and secure capital for growth/innovation. But in healthcare, the notion of profit remains problematic: how much is too much? and how an organization compensates its leaders for results beyond short-term revenue/margin improvement are questions of growing concern to a large and growing majority of consumers. …

The bottom line: the public is paying attention to business practices in healthcare. The death of Brian Thompson opened the floodgate for criticism of health insurers and the U.S. healthcare industry overall. It cannot be ignored. The public thinks industry folks are shrewd operators and they’re inclined to conclude they’re screwed as a result.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 9, 2024


 

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Dec. 9 on Senate Bill 1179, which would protect access to affordable prescription drugs and healthcare services through the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program. The bill was …

2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Approved for More Than 30 Credit Hours

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2025. 32 credit hours are available for physicians, nurses and healthcare executives.

In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two power-packed modules in February and April 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.

With limited class size, sessions will be held Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 and 11 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. Recognize rising leaders and build a stronger, more resilient organization by registering them in the program today.

Members with questions or seeking more information may contact Jen Sokol at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 25, 2024

DEA Extends Telemedicine Rule for Controlled Substances Through 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a rule extending telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances through Dec. 31, 2025. This extension continues pandemic-era provisions, allowing …


MHA and Partners Host Cybersecurity Tabletop for UP Healthcare Leaders

The MHA hosted the Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop Oct. 14 in Escanaba, MI with MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q and the Region 8 Healthcare Coalition as part of the ongoing …


MHA Webinar to Review Upcoming Earned Sick Time Act

The MHA will host the webinar Earned Sick Time Act – What to Know and How to Prepare from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 9 to provide an overview of the upcoming Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) effective Feb. 21, 2025, and to help employers prepare for compliance. …


MHA Podcast Explores Resources for Family Caregivers

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast for National Caregiver Month featuring Diane Mariani, LCSW, CADC, program manager for the department of social work and community health program at RUSH University …


Keckley Report

The Profession of Medicine: Key Takeaways from the AMA Interim House of Delegates Meeting

“Last week, the American Medical Association (AMA) held its 2024 Interim House of Delegates (HOD) meeting in Lake Beuna Vista, Florida. The Bi-Annual confab drew 700 delegates representing 200 medical societies and physician professional organizations who considered 712 resolutions in the four-day agenda. …

Against this backdrop, there is consensus in the health system and Congress that the physician workforce is unhealthy and recognition of shortages in rural areas and certain specialties.  There’s consensus among consumers (patients) that physicians are trusted and well-paid but their accessibility increasingly limited. And there’s consensus among physicians that the profession is in crisis-mode. …

Physicians will always play a prominent role in U.S. healthcare. The profession’s preparedness to lead its inevitable transformation is the big unknown. And its attractiveness to future generations of physicians the big risk if not addressed.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 18, 2024


News to Know

  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 28 and 29 in honor of Thanksgiving.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 9.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Language Services will host the webinar Section 1557 Readiness Workshop – Guidance and Resources for the 2024 Deadlines Dec. 10 from noon – 1 p.m. ET.
  • The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 – 11, 2025.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Nov. 21 on healthcare workplace violence research and the relationship between hospitals and community mental health organizations. The Oakland Press published a story Nov. 18 on the …

News to Know – Nov. 25, 2024

New to Know
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 28 and 29 in honor of Thanksgiving.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 9. Member alerts and MHA newsroom articles will continue to be published during that time to provide relevant updates to the MHA membership, as necessary.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Language Services will host the webinar Section 1557 Readiness Workshop – Guidance and Resources for the 2024 Deadlines Dec. 10 from noon – 1 p.m. ET. This is the first of a three-part series of webinars designed to provide members with the essential tools and insights needed to ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s Section 1557. There is no cost to attend and members are encouraged to register. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 – 11, 2025. Physicians, nurses and other rising leaders who wish to strengthen their leadership skills are encouraged to register for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy. Members with questions or seeking more information may contact Jen Sokol at the MHA.