Tag: Laura Appel

Register Today for 2024 Communications Retreat

Member News

There is still time to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

The lineup of presenters and topics for the 2024 Communications Retreat is now finalized. They include:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by Megan Brown, chief marketing and communications officer, Munson Healthcare, to discuss communications strategies to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • J. Joshua Wilda, regional chief digital information officer, University of Michigan Health-West and Tony Lambert, chief technology officer, TechSmith, will discuss AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting communications and marketing.
  • A panel of communications will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to address employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
    • Sue Tetzlaff, co-founder, Capstone Leadership Solutions
    • Lauren Zakalik, director, public & media relations strategy, Henry Ford Health
    • Hannan Deep, director of strategic communications operations, Henry Ford Health
    • Emily R. Sexton, communications coordinator, Holland Hospital,
  • A collection of speakers will present on how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
    • Kara Gavin, research and policy media relations manager, Michigan Medicine
    • Jim Rose, director of marketing, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
    • Dallas Rau, executive director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
    • Tera Szeliga, director of marketing and communications/ institute for leaders, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

The daylong event is geared toward the specific needs of hospital communicators working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

Members are encouraged to register by April 25 to attend the retreat. The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

MHA Panelists Featured During 2024 State of Reform Health Policy Conference

Member News

MHA staff participated in panel discussions April 4 during the 2024 State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Lansing, MI. MHA speakers included Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy; Jim Lee, senior vice president, data policy & analytics; Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy; and Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and public policy. Each provided valuable insight on the issues important to hospitals and the role of public policy in identifying solutions.

Topics of discussion included workforce shortages, artificial intelligence, depleted American Rescue Plan Act funding and certified community behavioral health clinics.

Other MHA members participating in the event included Tawana Nettles-Robinson, executive director, Detroit market, Trinity Health Michigan and Michelle Pena, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer, Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Nettles-Robinson discussed health disparities while Pena focused on workplace violence. Seth Karnes, senior director of risk, consulting and training at HSS, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner, was a guest speaker on the workplace violence panel to share national insights and perspectives. Members may contact HSS to learn more about active violence training, risk assessments, de-escalation training and more.

Members with questions may contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Media Recap: Auto No-fault & Executive Insights

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage since March 15 on efforts to reform the state’s auto no-fault insurance system as well as the future for healthcare teams.

The Detroit News published an article March 17 describing how auto no-fault insurance reforms have reduced access to care for auto accident survivors and impacted providers. Senate Bills 530 and 531 have passed the full Michigan Senate and would address reimbursement for providers, including simplifying and increasing Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarifying the definition of Medicare and creating a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel is quoted in the article expressing the importance of including hospitals in any reform efforts.

“Everything is not only more expensive but much more expensive,” said Appel.

Becker’s Hospital Review also published a story where they asked 35 C-suite healthcare executives across the U.S. to share areas of growth for the next few years. MHA CEO Brian Peters participated, sharing insights on technological innovation, advocacy engagement and health equity.

“First, we need to look at every emerging challenge through the lens of technological innovation; in other words, is there a better, more effective way to deal with an issue by deploying technology, which will become even more robust in the years ahead,” said Peters. “Second, because more and more of the people we serve will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other governmental programs, everyone in healthcare needs to have a comfort level with the public policy and political arena — how the process works, and the elected officials who make the decisions in state capitols and in Washington, DC. Politics is not a spectator sport! And third, while we are clearly on the health equity journey, we need to continue to embed it firmly in our organization’s cultures.”

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Secure Your Spot: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

Member News

Registration remains open for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation from hospitals and health systems throughout the state.

The MHA Communications team is finalizing a roster of presenters for several topics u suggested through a survey earlier this year. They include:

  • Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, will be joined by a health system communications executive to discuss the communications strategies the MHA is implementing to address the healthcare workforce and the importance of engaging with government relations and advocacy efforts.
  • Hospital representatives and leadership consultants will share internal communications strategies hospitals can implement to celebrate their workforce and share tactics they’ve used to impact employee morale, support recruiting and improve brand perception.
  • A panel representing healthcare and community health providers will speak to how they are using communications tools to assist in reacting to the behavioral health crisis.
  • AI trends in healthcare and hospitals, and how it’s impacting those parts of the business that impact communications and marketing.

The daylong event is geared toward the specific needs of hospital communicators working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. This year’s retreat offers a chance to network, learn from peers across the state and hear from experts for a deep dive into valuable skills for seasoned and new professionals.

Members are encouraged to register by April 25 to attend the retreat. The registration fee $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Change Healthcare Outage Continues to Impact Members

Member News

The MHA has been in close contact with the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Michigan Healthcare Security Operations Center (HSOC) and other partners regarding the Change Healthcare cyberattack that has impacted hospitals nationwide over the past two weeks.

The MHA is gathering, in aggregate, data about the impact of the attack on Michigan hospitals and patients. If your hospital/system hasn’t already done so, please complete this short questionnaire as soon as possible to help the MHA continue to advocate, and tell an accurate story of impact, on members’ behalf. Members with questions about the survey may contact Jim Lee at the MHA.

The latest updates from last week include:

  • Federal Advocacy: The AHA, the MHA and other state hospital associations have been urging Congress and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prioritize and expedite hospital requests for Medicare advanced payments; issue guidance to payers about interim payments, waiving of prior authorizations, not denying claims due to lack of prior authorization and more. A letter was sent to HHS Feb. 26, and was followed up with a letter March 5 to House and Senate leadership requesting whole-government response, and that Congress consider any statutory limitations that may exist for agencies assisting hospitals at this critical time. Members with questions about federal efforts should contact Laura Appel at the MHA.
  • Pharmacy: Optum announced that e-prescribing is now fully functional, as are pharmacy claim submission and payment transmission.
  • Payments: Electronic payment functionality should be available for connection again March 15.
  • Medical Claims: Optum will be testing to reestablish connectivity to their claims network and software March 18, restoring service throughout that week.

Optum announced March 1 a Temporary Funding Assistance Program to help bridge the gap in short-term cash flow needs for providers who received payments from payers that were processed by Change Healthcare. UnitedHealthcare stated they will provide further funding solutions for providers. According to their most recent press release, “This applies to medical, dental and vision providers and will involve advancing funds each week representing the difference between their historical payment levels and the payment levels post attack. Advances will not need to be repaid until claims flows have fully resumed. Providers must complete a one-time registration to access funding. For those who receive funding support, there are no fees, interest or other associated costs with the assistance. For repayment, providers will receive an invoice once standard payment operations resume and will have 30 days to return the funds. These terms now apply to both the original and expanded funding programs.”

Providers must register for the program at the website: www.optum.com/temporaryfunding.

More details on these updates are available on the United Health Group’s website dedicated to updates on this issue. This site also has FAQs, contact points for assistance and more.

Resource reminders:

  • AHA tools/updates on Change Healthcare incident.
  • CyberForceQ, an MHA-vetted expert and leader in the field for members who need cybersecurity assistance.
  • Members with questions about cybersecurity and the HSOC may contact MHA Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Mike Nowak at the MHA.

 

Headline Roundup: New Healthcare Violence Prevention Law and More

Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News, Top Issues - Healthcare, Member News
Gov. Whitmer signs House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.
Gov. Whitmer signs House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.
Gov. Whitmer signs House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.

The MHA received media coverage the week of Dec. 4 on a new law signed by Gov. Whitmer that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer, as well as stories on expanded nursing education opportunities and proposed Medicaid rate increases. The coverage includes quotes from MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel.

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Headline Roundup: Nurse Staffing Committee Hearing Recap

Top Issues - Healthcare, Member News, Patient Safety and Quality, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News

The MHA received media coverage the weeks of Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 regarding a committee hearing on proposed nurse staffing ratio legislation. Additional topics covered include hospital market activity, rural emergency hospitals, behavioral health, the state’s STEMI system and the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades.

The coverage includes quotes from MHA CEO Brian Peters, as well as MHA board member Beth Charlton, president and CEO, Covenant HealthCare; and Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer, Trinity Health Michigan. MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel also appears in an American Hospital Association podcast episode.

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Thursday, Nov. 16

Friday, Nov. 10

Thursday, Nov. 9

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Tuesday, Nov. 7

Monday, Nov. 6

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 23, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingProtections for Healthcare Workers, Auto No-fault Bills Move in Michigan Legislature

Multiple bills monitored by the MHA moved in the Michigan Legislature during the week of Oct. 16. Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was unanimously voted out of the Senate Civil Rights, …

Going PRO Talent Fund Applications Due Oct. 27

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity opened the first application cycle for the Going PRO Talent Fund program Oct. 9. Michigan employers can now apply for a share of $50 million in competitive …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Equity for Women and Native Americans

The October edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), focuses on health equity for women and Native Americans. Trustees should prioritize addressing the distinct needs of women for several …

A Holistic Approach to Workforce Management

Health systems and healthcare organizations are adapting to challenges posed by staffing shortages and a multigenerational workforce. The most successful facilities are taking a holistic approach by discarding staffing models of the past and embracing …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyU.S. Healthcare’s Existential Threat: Loss of Public Trust

“U.S. healthcare faces an existential threat: the loss of confidence and trust that the system is fair and more concerned about its profit than patient care. …

Studies show the erosion of public confidence and trust in the health system correlates to higher costs and suboptimal outcomes: when an individual thinks a clinician’s judgement might be clouded by a financial incentive, a hospital or drug price excessive and the provider prone to price gauging, or an insurer’s coverage determination arbitrary, doubt takes hold and trust plummets. …

The system issues are systemic and complicated. And no sector is capable of solving them alone: it requires all to collaborate based on a shared vision of its future but that vision does not exist. Until and unless a shared vision of the future of the U.S. health system is created, confidence and trust in the system will continue to erode and options for its future severely limited.” …

Paul Keckley, Oct. 16, 2023

T. Anthony Denton.

News to Know

Modern Healthcare recognized Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief environmental, social and governance officer, Michigan Medicine, as a 2023 Diversity Leader to Watch on Oct. 16.

 

MHA EVP Laura Appel discusses auto no-fault legislation with the Michigan Business Network.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 16 regarding auto no-fault legislation passed in the Michigan Senate and nurse staffing ratio legislation. The coverage is based on interviews conducted with MHA CEO Brian …

Headline Roundup: Nurse Staffing & Auto No-fault

Top Issues - Healthcare, Issues in Healthcare, MHA In The News
MHA EVP Laura Appel discusses auto no-fault legislation with the Michigan Business Network.
MHA EVP Laura Appel discusses auto no-fault legislation with the Michigan Business Network.
MHA EVP Laura Appel discusses auto no-fault legislation with the Michigan Business Network.

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 16 regarding auto no-fault legislation passed in the Michigan Senate and nurse staffing ratio legislation.

The coverage is based on interviews conducted with MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel.

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Thursday, Oct. 19

Wednesday, Oct. 18

Monday, Oct. 16

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Auto No-Fault Hearings Continue, Interstate Compacts Advance

Member News
MHA EVP Laura Appel testifying in the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee.

The Michigan Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee continued to hear testimony during the week of Oct. 9 on Senate Bills 530 and 531. Introduced by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), the legislation would clarify and increase Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarify the definition of Medicare and create a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. The committee heard testimony from Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, who stressed the importance of a strong healthcare system to care for auto accident patients.

“Hospitals across Michigan stand ready to care for victims of auto accidents,” said Appel. “Whether you’re located in Detroit, Grayling, Battle Creek or the Upper Peninsula, you need hospitals prepared to provide access to high quality care at a moment’s notice.” The committee has not yet taken a vote on the legislation and the MHA will continue to advocate for improvements to Michigan’s auto no-fault laws.

The House Health Policy Committee advanced several bills that would enter Michigan into interstate licensure compacts. The legislation included House Bills 4169 and 4170 for occupational therapists, introduced by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), and House Bills 4504 and 4505 for physical therapists, introduced by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and Rep. Dale Zorn (R-Onsted). The MHA supported both packages in keeping with broad support for interstate licensure compacts to assist with ongoing professional shortages. The legislation now awaits a vote from the full House.

Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.