Tag: Kelsey Ostergren

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.

MHA Monday Report April 28, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Testifies on Nurse Licensure Compact Bills, Senate Passes Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Momnibus Legislation

The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the …

GME Capitol Day Approaches May 21

The MHA is hosting the 2025 MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 21 in Lansing. The event is an opportunity for Michigan’s physician residents from teaching hospitals and academic …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the …

MHA Unemployment Compensation Program Receives Award for Outstanding Performance

The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) April 24 for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide, web-based system SIDES for receiving new claims and responding to …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities

The CMS recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the per-diem …

Celebrate Patient Experience Week with Upcoming Webinars

The MHA is offering ways for hospital staff to engage during Patient Experience Week (April 28-May 2), to support and amplify patient-centered care. The upcoming Patient and Family Engagement Improvement Sprint webinar series, hosted …

CMS Releases FY 2026 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

The CMS recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Key provisions of the proposed rule include: Increasing the …

MHA Virtual Member Forum Focuses on Cyberattack Response

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Health Information Technology Strategy Committee, is hosting a cybersecurity and cyberattack response virtual member forum from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 9. This free, members-only event features six …

The Power of Patient-Centered Care

It’s no secret that patient experience within hospitals and health systems has evolved over the years – especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. With Patient Experience Week (PX Week) around the corner, it’s a good time to recognize the …

Keckley Report

Tax Exempt Status for Not-for-Profit Hospitals: The Debate Ahead

“Tax exemptions for hospitals are not a new topic inside healthcare, but lately they’ve drawn outside attention from regulators and in media. They seem to be asking ‘Do not-for-profit hospitals deserve their tax breaks?’ …

Hospitals face a headwind, especially those that are tax-exempt. Every U.S. hospital is reeling from the uncertainty surrounding the Kennedy (HHS)-Oz (CMS)-Makary (FDA) trifecta that will regulate hospital affairs in the next few months. Every hospital is feeling heat from disgruntled physicians and worn-out frontline caregivers. Every hospital is worried about how tariffs will impact supply chain costs and all are taking a cautious approach to major capital projects. And all face increased pushback from state legislators who think price controls on hospitals might be the answer.

For Rick Pollack and team at the American Hospital Association, it’s not business as usual. The hospital big tent is under duress. And NFP tax exempt hospitals might be where it’s hottest. Large employers have targeted large NFP systems for cost reduction and Congress appears poised to impose restrictions on NFPs intended to rein-in what some consider excesses under the protection of tax-exempt status. …

Spending in healthcare at current levels is not sustainable. NFP system say the health of the communities they serve is their highest priority, though many limit their attention to lucrative services while neglecting others that might pay longer-term dividends in public health.

Utopian? Yes, but necessary. Actions not taken by NFP systems to demonstrate they deserve their tax exemptions is risky. And lack of will to adopt minimal standards will ultimately mean exemptions are linked to charity-care only.

In 2025 and beyond, tax exemptions for not-for-profit hospitals will garner attention. They’re not guaranteed and they’re under attack.”

Paul Keckley, April 21, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $2.5 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to hospital-based peer recovery coach services.
  • Registration is now open for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 25 through 27 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Members are encouraged to register by May 23 to attend this memorable event. 

Jim Lee speaks with Mid-Michigan NOW about AI.

MHA in the News

Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics, MHA, appeared in a story about artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare aired by Mid-Michigan NOW on April 23. Lee discussed how AI is being used by …

RFP Available for Hospital-Based Peer Recovery Coach Services

Member News

The MHA is issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a $2.5 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to hospital-based peer recovery coach (PRC) services. The funding was appropriated by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2025 budget to prepare hospitals for implementation of PRC billing to Medicaid in FY 2026.

The grant program will award funds to entities across the state of Michigan who wish to develop, or expand, hospital-based peer recovery coach programs. All facilities are eligible to apply, regardless of whether they currently employ peer recovery coaches or not.

Further information about the RFP application process, as well as templates, are available on the MHA Behavioral Health webpage.

The MHA will accept online applications through May 9, 2025. All applications will be blindly reviewed and scored to determine funding allocations. No email or hard copy applications will be accepted.

Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

News to Know – April 7, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowThe MHA was recently awarded $2.5 million to expand hospital-based peer recovery coach (PRC) services and is requesting members complete a brief survey by April 11 to assess current use and interest in PRC programs. Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.
  • The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering regional training sessions April 23 for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation. The one-hour sessions will include time for discussion and collaboration among regional hospital teams following the presentation. Nurses, physicians and other maternal health inpatient clinicians are encouraged to attend and may choose from either a morning session from 8 to 9 a.m.or an evening session from 5 to 6 p.m.. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required with the links provided. Members may contact the MHA Keystone Center for registration questions. Dominique Abram and Meagan Chuey at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are available for event related questions.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the free webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets from 11 a.m. to noon ET April 10. Speakers John Higgins, vice president of talent management at Essentia Health, and Steven Endsley, vice president of Workforce Solutions at AMN Healthcare, will provide valuable insights to MHA members on workforce challenges and innovative talent strategies. The webinar will highlight effective approaches to talent acquisition, retention and workforce transformation – in rural healthcare settings and beyond. To learn more, visit the AMN Healthcare page or contact Steven Endsley at AMN Healthcare.

New Resources for Patient Rights in Psychiatric Hospitals

Member News

The MHA recently collaborated with the Mental Health Association of Michigan and Disability Rights Michigan to develop resources outlining patient rights in psychiatric hospitals across Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio. These assets are modeled after Disability Rights Ohio’s voluntary and involuntary patient rights materials in psychiatric hospitals.

The MHA’s continued dedication to expanding access to behavioral health services and its commitment to the full care continuum involves addressing challenges such as finding appropriate placement for individuals requiring inpatient hospitalization. The MHA is aware of instances where patients are transferred out of state for inpatient psychiatric care due to diagnosis or acuity level.

This underscores the importance of ensuring patients and families have clear, accessible information about their rights, especially when care extends across state lines.

These resources aim to help individuals, families and advocates understand key rights, including access to treatment, communication and safety. Whether an individual is a patient, caregiver or community advocate, these documents are designed to inform and empower.

Available in accessible formats such as PDF, Word and Large Print, these quick guides ensure equal access to critical rights information for people with disabilities, including those using screen readers or requiring larger text in psychiatric hospitals.

Members are encouraged to share these resources with other colleagues and contacts. Indiana and Wisconsin’s resources can also be found on the MHA behavioral health webpage.

Members with questions can contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.