Tag: HR Conference

MHA Monday Report March 16, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Debt Legislation Clears Senate, MHA-Supported Bills Advance in the House

Legislation addressing medical debt collection processes and hospital financial assistance policies passed the Michigan Senate, while the House of Representatives moved MHA-supported bills during the week of March 9.  The Senate voted in support of Senate Bills 449, 450 and 451 as well as …

Healthcare Leadership Award Nominations Due March 27

The MHA is now accepting nominations for the annual Healthcare Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within their healthcare organization and community. Trustees, executives, physicians, nurses and other outstanding leaders are eligible for consideration. …

DEA Final Rule Takes Effect for EMS Controlled Substances

A new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) final rule took effect March 9, codifying regulations enacted in 2017 within the Controlled Substances Act related to the handling of controlled substances by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) …

Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored …

Applications Open for 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the annual 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize now through May 5, 2026. The prize celebrates hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to …

Hospitals Help: Bronson Healthcare Guides Patients Through Billing, Benefits and Financial Support

Navigating healthcare billing and out-of-pocket costs can be overwhelming. In order to let patients focus on healing, many hospitals are expanding the role of financial counselors, social workers and patient navigators. For example, financial counselors …

Keckley Report

Healthcare Workforce Modernization Needed

“Last week, the war in Iran intensified and Kristi Noem’s tenure as DHS Secretary came to an unceremonious close. Perhaps lost in the noise was the February jobs report issued Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It showed a surprising decline in job growth prompting speculation the economy might have taken a downward turn. …

Healthcare is capital intense: it needs appropriations from government and in-flows from employers and individual taxpayers to pay its bills. Most of that pays for its labor costs. Today, most Board agenda include updates on labor relations, human resource management issues and workforce adequacy—it’s standard fare. And all weigh options to outsource and devour progress reports from HR management on AI-enabled investments anticipated to reduce labor costs. …

If the overall economy is dependent on healthcare to produce an appropriate share of job growth while reducing overall costs, modernizing its workforce is key. It must include unpaid caregivers, licensed and unlicensed providers and technology-enabled solution providers—not just traditional licensed professional groups and their academic partners. That’s not going to happen in the current political environment where each sector’s primary focus is protecting reimbursement and guarding against scope of practice threats.

The health system needs transformation. Workforce modernization is where to start.”

Paul Keckley, March 8, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Navigating AI’s Impact on Cyber Hygiene webinar March 25 from noon-1 p.m. ET.

MHA in the News

The MHA partnered with Crain’s Content Studio to facilitate a healthcare affordability discussion, which was highlighted in its Detroit and Grand Rapids publications. Healthcare and business leaders examined the complex factors driving healthcare costs and …

MHA Monday Report March 9, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Bills Advance in Michigan Legislature

Several healthcare-related bills advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of March 2, including proposals addressing medical debt, liability protections, organ donation incentives and workforce shortages. The Senate Finance Committee advanced Senate Bills …

Action Alert: Legislature Begins Budget Process

House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees have begun work on the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which begins Oct. 1. The MHA has created a new action alert encouraging individuals to contact lawmakers and emphasize the importance of …

2026 MHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Now Open

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, …

MHA Opposes Federal Student Loan Proposal Affecting Healthcare Workforce

The MHA recently submitted a comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule that would change how certain graduate health programs qualify for federal student loan programs under H.R. 1. The proposal would …

Register by March 13 to Attend MHA HR Conference

The deadline to register for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference is March 11. The conference is scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing and will bring together human resources leaders navigating rapid …

Hospitals Expand Food Access Through Community Benefit Collaboratives

As many observe National Nutrition Month, hospitals across the state are implementing programs to address chronic disease through nutrition education and expanded food access. This work is being done through the MHA Community Benefit Collaboratives, which support efforts to improve Michiganders’ health outcomes in …

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Primary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Youth  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released a grant funding opportunity March 4 to provide support to organizations implementing primary substance use prevention programs for children and youth. The goal of this program is to support organizations to deliver …

Forum to Address Transportation Barriers to Healthcare Access

Transportation Riders United (TRU) will host MI Public Health in Motion: Health and Transit Forum March 19 from noon to 2 p.m. ET. TRU is a Michigan-based transit advocacy organization whose work the MHA has …

MC3 Launches Free Webinar Series on Supporting Youth in Crisis

Michigan Clinical Consultation & Care (MC3) is launching a free virtual education series beginning March 10 to help healthcare professionals better support children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health crises. The Practical Strategies to Support …

Hospitals Help: Mackinac Straits Retail Pharmacy Serves as a Lifeline in Northern Michigan

Mackinac Straits Health System opened its retail pharmacy in St. Ignace following valuable feedback from the community. Previously, the community lacked access to pharmacy services on weekends and holidays. This created additional barriers to care, …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Sustaining Hospital Funding is Key to Meaningful Reform

Michiganders heard a clear message from our state and federal leaders last week: healthcare is too expensive and the system is flawed. We agree. Michigan hospitals are deeply invested in providing timely and accessible care, …

Keckley Report

The Other F Bomb in Healthcare: FRAUD (especially Medicaid)

“40 minutes into the 108-minute State of the Union address Tuesday night, the President laid out his healthcare policy priorities for 2026 and after:

  • Increased focus on price transparency (building on 2021 and 2022 Executive Orders that targeted hospitals and insurers).
  • Increased use of Most Favored Nation pricing agreements to lower prescription drug costs.
  • Increased adoption of Health Savings Accounts by individuals who lost premium tax credits (aka ‘ill-conceived elements of “Obamacare).

These are the backbone of the President’s “Great Healthcare Plan” (January 15, 2026) that is premised on his view that the healthcare system is fundamentally flawed because consumer interests are not served. His plan reckons consolidation and corporatization in the $5.3 trillion U.S. healthcare enterprise as business strategies to profit operators (hospitals, medical practitioners, insurers, long-term care providers), suppliers (drugs, supplies, technologies, facilities), regulators and advisors at the expense of consumers. It posits that increased competition, less regulation, more transparency and a more direct role for consumers are necessary changes. …

FRAUD is the new F bomb in healthcare. It rallies industry critics to a common purpose. Medicaid is only the start.”

Paul Keckley, March 1, 2026

MHA in the News

KFF Health News published a story March 4 detailing concerns from hospital leaders and lawmakers across the country about how states plan to spend new federal rural health funding. The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program …

Register by March 13 to Attend MHA HR Conference

Member News

The deadline to register for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference is March 13. The conference is scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing and will bring together human resources leaders navigating rapid change, competing priorities, and rising expectations to support both organizational performance and employee wellbeing.

Matt Elliott, the conference’s closing keynote speaker, will present “The Power of &™,” a framework designed to help leaders move beyond “either/or” thinking, a common response during periods of accelerated change.

His keynote will explore how binary decision-making can limit innovation, strain teams, and contribute to burnout and how adopting “both/and” approaches can open new possibilities for organizations.

Registration for the HR Conference is $259 and members can register online by March 11. Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA

MHA Monday Report March 2, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Governor Whitmer Delivers Final State of the State Address

Gov. Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address Feb. 25 before a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, outlining priorities for the remainder of her term, including healthcare affordability. …

MHA EventsUpcoming Events Focus on Workplace Violence

The MHA is hosting two upcoming events that provide resources and insights on workplace violence in healthcare. The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian will host the webinar, The Four Myths of Workplace Violence …

Hospitals Help: Grant Drives Maternal Safety Innovation at MyMichigan Health

Simulation training helps care teams prepare for rare, high-risk events by allowing them to practice clinical decision-making and collaboration in a safe environment. Through an equipment grant distributed by the MHA Keystone Center with funding …

The MHA February Recap 

MHA Chief Medical Officer Expresses Support for AAP Immunization Schedule

The following statement can be attributed to Gary Roth, DO, MBA, FACOS, FCCM, FACS, chief medical officer of the MHA.  The MHA supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) evidence-based 2026 immunization schedule and the …

Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees’ Feb. 4 meeting featured a discussion with former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who is now a senior policy advisor with DC-based Liberty Partners Group, a bipartisan strategic consulting firm. Stabenow …

MHA Service Corporation Welcomes New Board Member and Explores Innovations

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board met Feb. 4 to advance and promote current and future business services of the MHASC and its Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Program. The board also welcomed incoming board member …

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Strategic Priorities

The MHA Keystone Center Board of Directors met Feb. 4 to review strategic priorities and key initiatives aligned with the 2025-26 MHA Strategic Action Plan. The meeting opened with a discussion focused on workplace violence …

Building Excellence Without Barriers

Every February, Black History Month invites us to pause and reflect on the pioneers who have redefined what’s possible for communities across the country — often in systems that were not designed with them in mind. …

Keckley Report

Mission Health, Asheville: Up Close and Personal

“On December 10, I had quadruple bypass surgery at Mission Hospital (MH), the HCA Healthcare facility in Asheville NC. It was necessary due to significant blockage (95%) and counsel from my long-time primary care physician at Vanderbilt, Ben Womack. …

This experience has been enlightening. I kept copious notes and continue to add to that file. My journey spans 3 months, 2 ED visits, a 5-day inpatient stay, an outpatient post-op procedure to clear fluid build-up in my lungs, a follow-up visit with Dr. Russell and the first two weeks of the rehab regimen. Observations to date: …”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 22, 2026

MHA in the News

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel joined WJR’s Ryan Ermanni live broadcast Feb. 25 for the station’s annual coverage of the state’s legislative and policy priorities in alignment with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the …

Upcoming Events Focus on Workplace Violence

Member News

The MHA will host two events that provide resources and insights on workplace violence in healthcare.

The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian will host the webinar, The Four Myths of Workplace Violence and the Aggression Cycle You Can’t Afford to Ignore, March 4 from 11 a.m. – noon ET. Attendees are encouraged to register for the free webinar to gain valuable insights during the interactive discussion. The webinar is open to MHA members and non-members, healthcare professionals and leaders, security personnel and others responsible for creating a safe, empathetic and resilient workplace culture. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA or Adam Novak at the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA EventsThe 2026 MHA HR Conference, scheduled March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will include a panel discussion on workplace violence as a continuing challenge across healthcare settings that impacts employee safety, well-being and retention. The panel will highlight real-world strategies for preventing, responding to and recovering from incidents of workplace violence. Panelists will highlight successful initiatives, including policy development, staff training, reporting and response protocols, and collaboration between security and clinical teams.

Registration for the HR Conference is $259 and members can register online by March 11. Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

2026 MHA HR Conference to Feature Reputation Management Session

Member News
MHA Events

Human resources (HR) leaders do more than oversee policies. They guide pivotal moments — difficult conversations, high-pressure decisions and daily interactions that shape trust, culture and credibility across an organization.

At the 2026 MHA HR Conference, held March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, Jeff Gaunt, founder, Gaunt Strategies, will present a session designed for HR professionals navigating today’s complex workplace environment. The program will integrate practical reputation management strategies with real-world HR challenges, focusing on conversations related to performance management, organizational change, conflict resolution and leadership support during times of uncertainty.

Attendees will receive practical insights and strategies that can be applied immediately within their organizations.

Registration is $259. Members may register online through March 11.

Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference or sponsorship opportunities may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

2026 MHA Human Resources Conference Registration Open

Member News
MHA Events

The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce.

In an evolving healthcare environment, people remain hospitals’ most critical resource. From workforce shortages to employee engagement and leadership development, healthcare human resources professionals are navigating complex challenges that require practical strategies and strong peer collaboration. The conference will highlight Michigan hospitals that have taken unique approaches to recruitment and retention in their local communities that have deepened community trust and elevated organizational reputation.

Registration is $259 and members are encouraged to register. Members with questions about registration should contact Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Registration is Now Open for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference

Member News

Registration is now open for the upcoming MHA Human Resources Conference scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 24 at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing, a must-attend event for HR leaders, talent professionals and executives shaping the future of healthcare workforces. This dynamic conference will bring together experts from across the healthcare spectrum to explore timely challenges, share best practices and deliver actionable strategies for today’s rapidly evolving HR landscape.

Healthcare organizations continue to face unprecedented workforce pressures—from talent shortages and burnout to regulatory changes and the accelerating role of technology. This conference is designed to equip human resources professionals with the insights and tools needed to attract, retain and support a resilient healthcare workforce while advancing organizational goals.

Registration is $259 per person and members are encouraged to register by March 13.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Ellie Droste and those with questions about the event should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 17, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Opioid Treatment Policies

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 12 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The MHA advocacy team provided important updates to the panel on healthcare activities at both …

MHA Member Supply Chain Leaders Share Insights and Resources

MHA staff recently attended the Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment event hosted March 4 by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This participation represents the MHA’s …

MHA Upcoming PFE Webinars Focus on Advancing Patient-Centered Care

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Advisory Council, is excited to offer the PFE Improvement Sprints, a webinar series designed to help hospitals and health systems amplify PFE efforts. …

Applications Open for 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship are now open for healthcare board members seeking innovative and effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. …

Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET April 10. Speakers John Higgins, vice president of Essentia Health, a …

Keckley Report

DOGE Healthcare Targets prompt Uncomfortable Questions

In the President’s 99-minute address to Congress last Tuesday, not a mention of healthcare. None. Nada. Go figure.

It’s not surprising but totally regrettable. Politicians on both sides of the aisle know it’s a vital industry to the population’s well-being and the economy’s overall stability. It accounts for a fourth of all job gains in monthly Bureau of Labor jobs reports. It also represents 28% of total federal spending (includes HHS + Veterans Health) with the CBO forecasting 5.5% annual growth through 2032. Thus, it’s not surprising it’s a target of ongoing DOGE federal spending cuts and prominent in this week’s budget reconciliation vote by Congress to avoid a shut down.

Two programs are initial targets: Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. Each is big and serves unique populations …

The impact of proposed Medicaid and VA cuts will draw attention to the overall health system, prompting its critics to argue its wastefulness and its defenders to blame inadequate funding or unfair regulation.”

Paul Keckley, March 10, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.
  • Lenise Freeman, a current Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow, was recently selected to participate in The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan Health Policy Fellowship.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 10 on the 340B program and potential federal Medicaid funding cuts with outlets including MichMash, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and 9&10 News. MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on the March 14 episode …

MHA Monday Report March 10, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Senate Passes 340B Hospital Protections & IMLC Clears House

The Michigan Senate passed legislation that protects 340B hospitals with bipartisan support while the Michigan House of Representations voted through legislation that removes the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) during the week …

Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

The MHA recently released a toolkit of communications resources to support hospitals in advocating against potential Medicaid funding cuts in their local communities. The toolkit includes: Talking points Template letter-to-the-editor Template press release Social media …

HHS Rescinds Richardson Waiver Policy on Public Participation

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the rescinding of the Public Participation in Rule Making (Richardson Waiver), which invited public participation in rulemaking related to federal rules and regulations. HHS Secretary …

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently completed the April 2025 update to the MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual, which will be available online April 1, 2025. This update aims to clarify coverage …

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 …

Regional Training April 23 for Maternal Health Providers on Hypertension Safety

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health is offering regional training sessions for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation. The one-hour …

Keckley Report

The Four Unwritten Rules for Engaging the Nashville Healthcare Industry

“This year, the Nashville Heath Care Council is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Its 900 members employ 333,000 and contribute $68 billion to the local economy. It hosts global conferences (VIVE, Sessions) among its 80+ events annually and promotes Nashville as the healthcare innovation hub of the planet. It is dominated by publicly traded health services companies and the armies of advisors, lawyers, accountants and analysts they employ. …

The Nashville healthcare community will not attempt to transform the industry: that’s for others. It will engage on industry challenges that require technology-enabled solutions, private capital and experienced operators. It is not paralyzed by regulation, industry norms, trade association affiliations or tradition. It is prone to think of healthcare as a opportunistic market, celebrate its profitability and leave systemic issues for others to fix.

The Nashville healthcare community is a fast follower: the bleeding edge is for others.  But in following fast, it has emerged as a key influencer in Trump healthcare policies and their execution.”

Paul Keckley, March 3, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The 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.
  • 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 survey.

Elizabeth KutterMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 3 on the Michigan Senate passing legislation that protects the 340B program, the potential impact of tariffs on hospitals and healthcare costs, as well as a …