Tag: Lauren LaPine

Michigan Legislature Introduces Behavioral Health Bills

Member News
capitol building

capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature introduced several bills recently related to behavioral health. The bills are a result of MHA advocacy activity that supports the behavioral health section of the MHA Strategic Action Plan.

Each of the bills proposes specific policies that would address some of the challenges hospitals experience when behavioral health patients seek care in the emergency department (ED).

A summary of each bill is provided below:

  • Senate Bill (SB) 802 introduced by Sen. Wojno (D-Warren): Requires sharing of the availability of community based mental health and substance use disorder services and integrates that information with the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.
  • SB 806 introduced by Sen. Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant): Expands the three-hour assessment responsibility by allowing clinically qualified staff to conduct pre-admission screenings for a patient presenting in an ED.
  • SB 811 introduced by Sen. Huizenga (R-Walker): Expands hospital swing bed eligibility to include inpatient behavioral health patients, beyond existing acute care or skilled nursing care patients.
  • SB 833 introduced by Sen. Geiss (D-Taylor): Prohibits arbitrary limitations placed by commercial insurers on the duration of inpatient psychiatric admissions that are not consistent with care for physical health admissions.

Advocating in favor of these bills is a large focus for MHA advocacy and policy staff for the remainder of the session. The MHA is also working closely with other lawmakers for introduction of additional legislation specific to this issue. An infographic on the problems hospitals experience caring for behavioral health patients in the ED and proposed solutions will be shared with lawmakers. The resource includes data points from the MHA’s weekly behavioral health ED boarding survey.

Members with questions on these bills should contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series Navigates Challenges

Member News

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of the MHA’s continued investment in behavioral health, a key priority in its strategic action plan and advocacy and policy efforts. The series will provide hospitals with strategies to navigate the current system, strengthen partnerships and identify innovative solutions for overcoming many challenges in management of patients with behavioral health needs.

The next webinar in the series is Wednesday, April 17 at 1 p.m.

April 17: Navigating Challenges

The webinar will address the dispute and resolution process and the voluntary and involuntary commitment process.

May 8: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 1

Will offer innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

June 12: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 2

Will offer additional innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

Registration is free and open to MHA-members only. The series will be relevant to any employee working closely with behavioral health patients who are part of the CMH/PIHP contracting process or work with community organizations to support patient’s behavioral health needs at the time of discharge.

Members with questions on the webinar series may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA. Members with questions on the MHA behavioral health strategy may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Workforce Talent Pipeline Management Academy Cohort

Member News

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is launching another cohort of the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Academy May 7. This program provides business leaders, workforce professionals and employers with strategies to connect job seekers with necessary training and career opportunities. The TPM strategy is focused on a tailored approach to career pathways that effectively meet the dynamic needs of employers.

The TPM Academy will include eight live sessions spanning 12 weeks, from May 7 through July 13, 2024, with each course focusing on a different TPM strategy. Throughout the duration of the program, participants can also engage in 1:1 office hours for additional mentoring.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine 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.

Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program Available

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced the upcoming Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program, offering up to $300,000 per award to repay educational debt. This program is offered as part of the state’s effort to attract and retain talent and expand access to behavioral health services.

Previously known as the MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program, this program encourages behavioral health providers to offer their services within nonprofit, outpatient organizations statewide.   

Providers who are eligible for loan repayment include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists, case managers and certified behavioral analysts.

Applicants must provide in-person, outpatient behavioral health services through eligible nonprofit practice sites, such as public school-based systems and community mental health organizations.

The loan repayment program will prioritize providers who serve children, though individuals serving both children and adults are also eligible to apply. If awarded, providers will receive up to $300,000 for educational loan repayment over 10 years.

Applications for 2024 will be accepted beginning April 29 and are due by May 24. Additional information about eligibility, selection criteria, application instructions and frequently asked questions can be found on the MDHHS website.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

National Rural Health Association Funding Opportunities Available

Member News

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) recently announced two new funding opportunities to support initiatives that will improve healthcare access in rural communities.

The Rural Utilities Service, a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will accept applications for the USDA Rural eConnectivty Program starting March 22 until April 22. This program offers loans and grants to support the construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment that are necessary to expand broadband internet service in rural areas. Funding opportunities for eligible applicants will vary based on the needs of each Proposed Funded Service Area.

Additionally, the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response (RCORP) Funding Program is currently accepting applications through May 6 to expand access to treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) in rural communities. Throughout this four-year project, grantees are eligible to receive up to $750,000 per year. Funding is intended to support the establishment or expansion of the SUD workforce, collaboration with social services for long term recovery support, and sustainability of programming beyond the grant period. Public, private, non-profit, for-profit groups, tribal government, educational institutions and faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be a part of a network involving at least four entities, with at least two located in HRSA-designated rural service areas.

Eligible MHA members are encouraged to consider applying for these funding opportunities to expand and enhance healthcare services in rural communities.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MIHI Hosts Webinar Series on BEAD State Challenge Process

Member News

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) will be hosting three educational webinars to answer questions about the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) State Challenge Process, which is currently pending approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Each webinar is tailored for specific audience, but members are welcome to register for any webinar of interest.

  • The Eligible Challengers: March 12 from 1 to 2 p.m.
    This session will address questions regarding the types of challenges that will be accepted, evidence requirements and how to use the State Challenge Portal for submission. Eligible Challengers are local governments, Tribal governments, non-profit organizations and internet service providers.
  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs): March 13 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    Resembling Tuesday’s session, additional coverage on how ISPs will be notified of challenges and how to submit rebuttals will be shared.
  • Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs): March 14 from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
    The last session will focus on verifying CAIs representation on the map and address questions regarding CAIs designations.

Members who are unable to attend can access webinar recordings on the MIHI website. Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series: Second Webinar

Member News

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of the MHA’s continued investment in behavioral health, a key priority in its strategic action plan and advocacy and policy efforts. The series will provide hospitals with strategies to navigate the current system, strengthen partnerships and identify innovative solutions for overcoming many challenges in management of patients with behavioral health needs.

The next webinar in the series is Wednesday, March 13 at 1 p.m.

March 13: Building a Strong Working Relationship with Your Local PIHP and CMH

This webinar will cover PIHP master contracting process. rate setting and payment variability and requirements of the CMH system for in-state and out-of-state hospitals.

April 17: Navigating Challenges

The webinar will address the dispute and resolution process and the voluntary and involuntary commitment process.

May 8: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 1

Will offer innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

June 12: Innovative Strategies to Address the Behavioral Health Crisis in Michigan Hospitals – Part 2

Will offer additional innovative solutions that hospitals and health system partners across the state are using to manage and treat behavioral health patients.

Registration is free and open to MHA-members only. The series will be relevant to any employee working closely with behavioral health patients who are part of the CMH/PIHP contracting process or work with community organizations to support patient’s behavioral health needs at the time of discharge.

Members with questions on the webinar series may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA. Members with questions on the MHA behavioral health strategy may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

Senate Subcommittee Hears Testimony on Opioid Settlement Dollars

Member News
capitol building

capitol buildingThe Senate Appropriations Department of Health and Human Services Subcommittee convened March 28 to hear testimony on the state’s opioid settlement dollars. Testimony began with Amy Dolinky, technical adviser for opioid settlement funds at the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), providing an overview of the MAC’s role in supporting the distribution of settlement dollars through county governments. She stressed the importance of utilizing the evidence-based strategies and principles outlined by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for spending of opioid settlement dollars. Next to provide testimony was Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, and Amy Epkey, senior deputy director of financial operations, both representing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). MDHHS used the opportunity to provide an overview of opioid settlement spending, to date.

Last to provide testimony was Dr. Cara Anne Poland, chair of the Opioid Settlement Commission (OAC), Hon. Jamie Stuck, OAC Commissioner representing Tribal Nations and Tara King, coordinator of the OAC. The testimony from the OAC centered around the challenges and barriers the OAC encounters coordinating opioid settlement work with MDHHS. Additionally, the OAC representatives provided an overview of the soon-to-be-released OAC 2024 Annual Report.

The MHA submitted written testimony advocating for the distribution of opioid settlement funds to communities most impacted by opioid and substance use disorder. The testimony also included a list of specific ways the legislators could allocate funds to improve treatment options for patients impacted by opioid and substance use.

Members with questions should contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 5, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Registration Open for 2024 Healthcare Leadership Academy

Registration is open for the popular MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy program scheduled for March 13-15 and May 1-2. Delivered in partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University for the past 11 years, two …

MDHHS Issues RFP for Peer Navigator Pilot Project

The Michigan Department for Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to enhance support for pregnant and postpartum individuals facing substance use disorder. The Peer Navigator Pilot Project aims to …

Michigan State Loan Repayment Program Application Period Opens

The Michigan State Loan Repayment Program is now accepting applications through April 30. MSLRP assists employers in attracting and retaining medical, dental and mental healthcare providers in underserved communities by providing loan repayment. Healthcare …

Paxlovid Emergency Use Authorization Ends March 8

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated the Paxlovid Emergency Use Authorization, allowing Paxlovid that is currently in U.S. distribution to remain authorized for use through the labeled or extended expiration date, or …

MDHHS Release Medicaid Reimbursement Proposed Policy

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to establish additional Medicaid reimbursement for certain medically necessary drugs and therapeutics when provided in the inpatient hospital setting. The policy, …

SAMHSA Issues Final Rule on OUD Treatment

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a final rule Jan. 31 updating regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs and standards for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). These rules make permanent …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Three In-bound Truth Bombs set to Explode in U.S. Healthcare

“Truth bombs are falling in U.S. healthcare. They’re well-documented and financed. They take no prisoners and exact mass casualties.

Most healthcare organizations default to comfortable defenses. That’s not enough. Cyberwarfare, precision-guided drones and dirty bombs require a modernized defense. Lacking that, the system will be a commoditized public utility for most in 15 years.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 29, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA-member physician residents are encouraged to save the date for GME Capitol Day, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center.
  • MHA-member communications professionals are encouraged to save the date for this year’s 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.