Tag: Kelsey Ostergren

Registration Open for MDHHS Laboratory Leadership Summit

Member News

Registration is open for the Laboratory Leadership Summit, hosted March 26 in Lansing by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL).

MHA members are encouraged to register and attend this one-day summit. Participation is recommended for clinical laboratory directors, administrators and senior laboratory leadership from hospital and health systems.

The summit will convene clinical and public health laboratory leaders from across the state. The agenda includes an overview of MDHHS BOL responsibilities, strategies to strengthen outbreak response and surge testing coordination between clinical and public health partners and a discussion on aligning MDHHS public health laboratory testing with the needs of clinical laboratories.

Attendees who require a hotel room, provided at no cost by MDHHS BOL, must submit the request through the registration form by Feb. 26.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 9, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

IMLC Legislation Clears House, Continuing Education and Credentialing Bills Advance

The Michigan House of Representatives voted in support of House Bill 5455, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile Township), which would restore Michigan to the IMLC. The compact supports access to care, particularly in rural …

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 Releases FAQ on Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

The MHA recently released a new frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to help members better understand allowable uses, limitations and compliance requirements related to Michigan’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The FAQ clarifies that RHTP …

CMS Releases 2025 Occupational Mix Survey for Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the 2025 occupational mix survey to collect data from hospitals paid under the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system. Survey results will be used to adjust …

 

MHA Reinforces Evidence-Based Vaccination Guidelines

The MHA is strengthening its commitment to evidence-based immunization practices under the guidance of the MHA Healthcare and Public Health Integration Council and chief medical and nursing leaders. Efforts include distributing educational resources, reaffirming alignment …

Initiative Seeks to Expand Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services in Michigan

Providers who serve pregnant people, infants and families are encouraged to complete a brief survey to help build Michigan’s first statewide Perinatal and Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (PIECMH) Provider Directory. The initiative is led …

HHS Announces $100M Investment in Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a $100 million investment to expand substance use disorder treatment, mental health services and housing-related supports under the administration’s Great American Recovery initiative. …

 

MDHHS Withdraws PIHP Procurement

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has withdrawn its request for proposals (RFP) to competitively procure Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs), ending the planned rebid process. The decision follows a Jan. 8 …

Hospitals Help: Youth Safety Event Teaches UP Students Emergency Preparedness

Camp 911 is a hands-on, youth-focused safety event supported by Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson hospital that is designed to teach school-aged children essential emergency response skills. The camp brings together professionals from various fields to demonstrate …

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Wakely is hosting the webinar Summary and Impacts of the 2027 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice Feb. 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. ET.
  • 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.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce |Q is hosting an in-person Coffee & Collab for Cybersecurity Leaders Feb. 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ET at CyberForce|Q headquarters in Plymouth, MI.

MHA in the News

The Mining Journal published a statement from the MHA chief medical officer following the distribution of guidance to

Michigan families departing from established standards. Dr. Roth emphasizes the efficacy of vaccines and urges families to seek medical guidance from their providers. “Vaccines remain …

Pediatric Vaccination Guidance: What Michigan Providers Need to Know

Member News, Top Issues - Healthcare

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published its 2026 immunization schedule for children and adolescents, recommending protection against 18 diseases including polio, measles, respiratory syncytial virus and meningococcal disease. This comprehensive schedule draws on decades of evidence-based research and expert consensus and differs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Jan. 6 update, which covers 11 diseases.

“The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents of this country,” said AAP President Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP.

The schedule is supported by 12 major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Association and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Michigan’s Position

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a standing recommendation on Dec. 18, 2025, encouraging providers to follow the AAP’s evidence-based immunization schedules. MDHHS reaffirmed this position Jan. 6, 2026, underscoring its commitment to science-based public health recommendations.

The MHA encourages hospital leaders to connect with their local public health department to discuss shared strategies for promoting evidence-based vaccine information.

Supporting Patient Communication

As families encounter vaccine information from multiple sources, questions may arise. Healthcare providers play a key role in delivering clear, evidence-based guidance grounded in science.

To assist with this effort, MDHHS has partnered with the Michigan Association of Local Public Health to launch the Michigan Health Communications Initiative. The initiative offers a monthly provider newsletter and ready-to-use materials suitable for emails, social media or printed displays to help educate patients about the importance of vaccines.

Vaccines are an important tool for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. The MHA supports the state’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that protects Michigan’s children. Additional information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.

Members with questions about vaccines may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

HHS Updates Childhood Immunization Schedule

Member News

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Jan. 5 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to revise the U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 and shifting several others to high-risk or shared decision-making categories.

Under the updated schedule, vaccines recommended for all children include protection against diseases such as measles, polio, pertussis, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus and chickenpox. Other vaccines including influenza, Covid-19, hepatitis A and B, RSV and meningococcal disease, will now be recommended only for certain high-risk populations or based on discussions between families and their healthcare providers. Federal officials stated the changes will not affect insurance coverage and vaccines currently recommended by CDC will remain covered.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) affirms the standing recommendation released Dec. 18, 2025, encouraging providers to continue following the evidence-based childhood immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians. MDHHS reiterated this guidance Jan. 6, emphasizing its commitment to science-based recommendations to protect Michigan families.

Effective Jan. 1, Michigan Medicaid begun covering stand-alone vaccine counseling visits, allowing providers to be reimbursed for vaccine discussions even when no vaccine is given.

The MHA is supporting efforts to form a statewide immunization coalition aimed at improving coordination, increasing vaccine access and addressing declining childhood vaccination rates. While the association does not provide clinical guidance, the MHA continues to support hospitals in efforts to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and encourage informed conversations between providers and patients.

Members with questions about vaccine may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

State’s Chief Medical Executive Shares Standing Recommendation Regarding Children’s Vaccines

Member News

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a Standing Recommendation  Dec. 18 encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Dr. Bagdasarian noted that the AAP and AAFP vaccine schedules are evidence-based and support the prevention of infectious diseases. Historically, Michigan providers have referred to vaccine schedules issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee (ACIP) on Immunization Practices for both children and adults. However, recent changes to ACIP membership and recommendations that are not evidence-based, such as discontinuing the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, prompted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to recommend alternative guidance.

MDHHS emphasized that following AAP or AAFP vaccine schedules will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children across the state.

Clinical leaders from the Michigan Children’s Hospital Collaborative and the Michigan chapter of the AAP expressed strong support for the recommendation. The Children’s Hospital Collaborative stated that vaccine-preventable diseases can have devastating effects on infants and young children and underscored the importance of guidance rooted in rigorous, up-to-date scientific evidence. Clinical leaders noted that adherence to the AAP’s child and adolescent immunization schedule will allow Michigan providers to confidently administer safe and effective vaccines, reduce preventable hospitalizations and protect children.

Vaccines remain a primary tool for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and the MHA supports Dr. Bagdasarian’s standing recommendation to follow the AAP and AAFP immunization schedules as evidence-based guidance that promotes the health and wellbeing of children across Michigan. More information is available on the MDHHS Immunization Recommendations for Michigan webpage.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

Vaccination Resources Available for Healthcare Providers

Member News

The MHA remains committed to supporting vaccination efforts across the state by providing healthcare professionals with timely resources, updated guidance and tools to strengthen public health outreach.

The state of Michigan has reported 18 measles cases and 855 pertussis cases so far in 2025, reinforcing the critical role of routine vaccinations and the need for clear, consistent guidance for providers.

The following tools are available to help strengthen vaccine outreach and support on-time immunizations:

  • The Citizens Research Council of Michigan released a new vaccine report, which highlights recent changes to federal vaccine recommendations and provides policy recommendations to strengthen vaccination efforts statewide.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated it’s Be Ready for Measles Toolkit, which now includes adult MMR vaccination decision trees, summer camp checklists and immunity record templates. Recent CDC data confirms 1,197 measles cases across 34 states and 90% of which are linked to outbreaks. Of these cases, 95% occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
  • The July 14 I Vaccinate newsletter includes new provider resources and Q&A materials to support vaccine-related conversations with patients and families.

The MHA continues to work closely with the MDHHS Division of Immunizations and other partners to promote consistent vaccine messaging and improve vaccination rates across Michigan.

Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

HHS Replaces ACIP Members, Future Vaccine Policy Unclear

Member News

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced June 9 the removal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This independent body is comprised of experts in infectious disease, epidemiology, pediatrics, internal medicine and public health. ACIP plays a central role in guiding U.S. vaccine policy through the evidence-based recommendations it puts forth to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which directly influences vaccine schedules, insurance coverage, provider reimbursement and programs such as Vaccines for Children.

Kennedy announced eight replacements June 11 on social platform X. The appointments mark a potential significant change in the future of federal vaccine policy. While past ACIP recommendations and resources remain available through the CDC, it remains unclear how the new members and administration will guide national immunization practices.

The MHA remains committed to assisting members in increasing vaccine uptake and avoiding the spread of vaccine preventable diseases, as the evidence is indisputable that vaccines are the best tool available to prevent severe illness and save lives. The association continues to monitor the potential impacts that may result from the changes to ACIP.

Members are encouraged to share feedback on the impact of these changes to existing organizational vaccine policies with Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Awards Peer Recovery Coach Grants

Member News

The MHA has granted funding to seven institutions to support development or expansion of hospital-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs. The funding will support the addition of 18 new hospital-based PRCs and expand treatment options for patients with a substance use disorder (SUD).

The MHA recently issued a request for proposals for a competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities aimed at developing or expanding hospital-based peer recovery coach programs. Funding for this effort was made available by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2025 budget to expand access to hospital-based PRC services.

The MHA received nine applications from organizations in seven distinct regions of the state, encompassing many innovative approaches to provide high-quality care for individuals experiencing substance use disorders.

These seven organizations, which were granted funding, are as follows:

The MHA appreciates the time and effort that went into developing applications and looks forward to partnering to expand access to SUD services across the state.

Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report May 19, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Legislation Advances in House, Senate

Numerous healthcare bills including the Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) budget advanced in the Michigan Legislature during the week of May 12. …

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Advocacy Priorities for Michigan Hospitals

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met May 14 at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. MHA Capitol Advocacy Center staff provided …

Healthcare Makes $100+ Billion Impact to Michigan’s Economy

The MHA published results from the 2025 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report as part of National Hospital Week (May 11-17), demonstrating a $106 billion total economic impact healthcare had in fiscal year 2023, the most recent data available. …

Deadline Approaching to Register for MHA Annual Membership Meeting

The deadline to register for the 2025 MHA Annual Membership Meeting is Friday, May 23. The event will be held June 25 through 27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting offers …

LARA Finalizes Osteopathic Licensing and Practice Rules

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently finalized administrative rules that update licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan, effective May 8, 2025. The revised rules, issued through the …

Members Discuss Cyberattack Preparedness in MHA Virtual Forum

More than 80 information systems, clinical and administrative leaders joined the MHA’s virtual member forum May 9 to discuss strategies for preparing for and responding to cyberattacks. Leaders shared insights and lessons learned from real-world …

MDHHS Updates MMR Vaccine Guidance Amid Measles Outbreaks

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated guidance May 9 on the administration and reimbursement of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The bulletin outlines how providers may administer and receive …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Fundraising as a Growth Strategy

The May edition of Trustee Insights, a monthly digital publication from the American Hospital Association, explores how fundraising can serve as a low-risk growth strategy for hospitals and health systems. One article focuses on the …

Nurses Share Insights on Balance, Technology and the Future of the Profession in New Survey

The MHA has endorsed AMN Healthcare as a national leader in workforce solutions. AMN Healthcare’s 2025 Survey of Registered Nurses measures the insights and direction of the nursing profession using responses from more than 12,000 nurses. MHA …

The Reality for Medicaid Patients Entering the ED With a Behavioral Health Crisis

Imagine this: You enter a hospital emergency department for chest pain. The clinicians onsite confirm you’re having a heart attack, but before can receive lifesaving care, you must wait for a second pre-admission screening from an agency outside of the hospital. …

Keckley Report

The Value-based Care Agenda in Trump 2.0 Healthcare

“Central to both efforts is the administration’s mandate to reduce federal spending which it deems achievable, in part, by replacing fee for services with value-based payments to providers from the government’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is the government’s primary vehicle to test and implement alternative payment programs that reduce federal spending and improve the quality and effectiveness of services simultaneously. ….

Recent efforts by the Trump Healthcare 2.0 team and its leadership appointments in CMS and CMMI point to a value-agenda will change significantly. Alternative payment models will be fewer and participation by provider groups will be mandated for several. Measures of quality and savings will be fewer, more easily measured and and standardized across more episodes of care. Financial risks and shared savings will be higher and regulatory compliance will be simplified in tandem with restructuring in HHS, CMS and CMMI to improve responsiveness and consistency across federal agencies and programs. …

Trump Healthcare 2.0 value-based care is a take-no prisoners strategy in which private insurers in Medicare Advantage have a seat at their table alongside hospitals that sponsor ACOs and distribute the majority of shared savings to the practicing physicians. But the agenda will be set, and re-set by the administration and link-minded physician organizations like America’s Physician Groups and others that welcome financial risk-sharing with Medicare and beyond.”

Paul Keckley, May 12, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions, will host the free webinar Workforce Wellness: Effective Approaches to Foster Well-being and Retention in Healthcare from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 19.

MHA in the News

Laura Appel

The MHA received news coverage during the week of May 12 related to federal Medicaid funding cuts and the release of the hospital economic and workforce impact data. …

MDHHS Updates MMR Vaccine Guidance Amid Measles Outbreaks

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated guidance May 9 on the administration and reimbursement of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The bulletin outlines how providers may administer and receive reimbursement for MMR vaccines delivered outside of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended schedule. These updates support ongoing hospital preparedness efforts and broader access to preventive vaccines during outbreak situations.

The MHA remains committed to promoting access to routine and preventive healthcare services and will continue partnering with MDHHS to support vaccine uptake across Michigan.

Members with questions may reach out to Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.