Tag: legislative policy panel

MHA Monday Report May 29, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists Address Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened May 24 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on potential state licensure of …

Bcapitol buildingills on Healthy Michigan Plan Improvements and Tax Credit for Clinical Preceptors See Action

Action was taken the week of May 22 on a variety of bills that would make improvements to the Healthy Michigan Plan, require adult changing tables be included in future construction or renovation projects and …

capitol building

Governor Signs Red Flag Laws

Legislation to create Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) was signed by Gov. Whitmer May 22. These new public acts allow for certain individuals, including healthcare providers, to file an ERPO if a person is a …

MHA Continues Work Towards Chemotherapy Drug Shortage

The MHA has been in frequent contact with members of the Michigan Congressional delegation since the association was made aware of shortages of the chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and cisplatin. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and …

Licensing and Regulatory Updates

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs recently published updated rules related to hospitals. Those updates include the following: Final EMS Life Support Agencies and Medical Control Rule The final rule, effective May …

CMS Releases Medicare Wage Index Information

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the timetable and preliminary hospital data that will be used to develop the Medicare wage index for fiscal year 2025, which begins Oct. 1, …

MHA Enrollment Data Analysis Expansion

The MHA recently expanded its analysis of enrollment data to reflect Medicare and Medicaid enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split for Medicare and Medicaid between fee-for-service and managed care …

MHA Keystone Center Cohosting Caregiver Navigation Roundtable

The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and RUSH University Medical Center to host a virtual roundtable from 10 to 11:15 a.m. June 21 on implementing caregiver navigation programs in …

Person and Family Engagement Leaders Explore PFE Roadmap

Approximately 80 leaders responsible for quality, safety and patient experience and patient care participated in an MHA webinar to review the newly released MHA Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Roadmap, which includes recommended policies to re-engage …

2023 Ludwig Nominee: Hurley Patient Advocate Seeks to Address Barriers to Care

Since 1990, the MHA has honored member healthcare organizations working to enrich the overall welfare of their local communities through the Ludwig Community Benefit Award. This year, the MHA is excited to showcase all award nominees, …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleySocial Determinants of Health: Lots of Talk, Modest Results

“For healthcare, this divergence of views is problematic the proposed debt ceiling compromise includes reducing SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), imposing work requirements for “able-bodied” Medicaid recipients and cutting community health centers budgets—all hit low-income and underserved populations hardest. In these populations, social determinants of health (SDOH) i.e., food insecurity, unsafe/unhealthy housing, inadequate transportation et al play a central role in their health and its costs, but not much is done. …

Abundant health services research points to one conclusion: the inadequacy of solutions to the nation’s burgeoning social issues aka ‘social determinants of health’ results in poorer health status and higher health costs. Disparities persist. Structural flaws and divergent views about public health have calcified its neglect. It’s’ a disconnect the health system is prompted to fix. …”

Paul Keckley, May 22, 2023

MHA CEO Brian Peters appears on the Michigan Business Beat.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of May 21 regarding the continued shortage of cancer drugs carboplatin and cisplatin and hospital workforce shortages. MHA representatives appearing in published stories include CEO Brian Peters, Executive …

Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists Address Legislative Policy Panel

Member News
MSA President Neeju Ravikant, MD, MS, presents to the MHA Legislative Policy Panel.

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened May 24 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on potential state licensure of anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) from Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA) President Neeju Ravikant, MD, MS; Secretary/Treasurer & Legislative Co-Chair Courtney Abernathy, MD; and MSA board member William Peruzzi, MD. Currently Michigan is one of four states that allow practice for AAs via physician delegation. Licensure would still require AAs work under the supervision of a qualified physician anesthesiologist and would have Michigan join 15 other states, the District of Columbia and the US Territory of Guam that have moved over to licensure.

In addition to the presentation, the panel recommended the MHA support telehealth parity and discussed issues around pharmaceutical manufacturers discriminating against covered entities based on their contract pharmacy relationships.

The panel received updates on other issues including a review of the MHA Strategic Action Plan from MHA CEO Brian Peters, a federal update from federal lobbyist Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs and state updates on the budget and nurse staffing ratio legislation.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 20, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

State Medicaid Office Addresses Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened March 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on Medicaid redetermination from Brian …

MHA Provides Testimony Supporting State Psychiatric Care and Healthy Michigan Plan

During the week of March 13, the MHA provided testimony to both the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the House Health Policy Committee. Laura Appel, executive vice president of Government …

RFP Available for Pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Grant

The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by the …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Annual Meeting May 3

The healthcare workforce is at higher risk of harm due to violence than other professional fields.  Recent increases in workplace violence represent a major barrier to both staff and patient safety, prompting the need for …

Registration Open for MHA Human Resources Member Forum

The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well. The forum is structured as …

Changes to Medicaid Dental Coverage Effective April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will implement a new service delivery model for adult dental benefits effective April 1, 2023. The following groups will be eligible: Medicaid beneficiaries ages 21 years and …

Changes to Telemedicine Policy Post-COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will rescind certain COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities beginning May 12, 2023, with the conclusion of the federal health public health emergency. Policy MMP 23-10 outlines flexibilities that …

Michigan Dispensing Law Changes

Michigan state law will be updated beginning March 29, 2023, to allow pharmacists to dispense a non-controlled prescription written by a prescriber licensed in another state or province of Canada. Public Act 80 of 2022 …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Covers Board Development and Behavioral Health

One of the strongest predictors of health system performance is the quality of governance that shapes its response in an unstable environment. The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Biden Budget: Key Signals to Voters and an Important Implications for the Health Industry

“Last Thursday, the Biden administration released its proposed FY24 federal budget which is certain to spark political posturing by partisans on all sides and long-term speculation by political pundits and economists. At a high level, it includes… …

In total, healthcare spending represents 30% of the total outflow of federal funds in this budget compared to 29% in ’22 (Medicare 12%, Veteran’s Health 2% and Other Line Items 15%)—almost 50% more than Social Security and more than 100% above defense spending. …”

Paul Keckley, March 12, 2023

News to Know

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 13 regarding conversations around workforce funding and current challenges amid the third anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Medicaid Office Addresses Legislative Policy Panel

Member News
Carlos Jackson, federal lobbyist, Cornerstone Government Affairs.

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened March 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on Medicaid redetermination from Brian Keisling, director, Bureau of Medicaid Policy, Operations and Actuarial Services. The state is starting the renewal process this month for nearly three million Medicaid beneficiaries. Keisling discussed the approach they’re taking to review beneficiaries as part of the redetermination process and planned communications with beneficiaries whose eligibility will expire or renew.

Moving to action items, the panel recommended the MHA advocate for incentives that would support birthing hospital participation in Levels of Maternal Care.

In addition, the panel discussed issues around telehealth and the potential discrimination against living organ donors.

The panel received updates on other issues including a federal update from federal lobbyist Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs, hospital workforce funding, state budget negotiations and MHA efforts related to behavioral health.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

First Legislative Policy Panel Meeting of 2023

Member News
Bill Wortz and Frank Foster of Public Affairs Associates present to the Legislative Policy Panel.

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Jan. 25 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from MHA multi-client lobbying firm Public Affairs Associates on the new political landscape in Michigan. Managing Partner Bill Wortz and Partner Frank Foster recapped the recent election results, reviewed new legislative leadership and focused on the priorities of Democrats, who hold majorities in each chamber of the Michigan Legislature for the first time since 1984.

Moving to action items, the panel recommended the MHA support legislation to strengthen the Healthy Michigan Plan and remove provisions that are ineffective, administratively burdensome or create risk to the long-term viability of the program. The panel also recommended the MHA develop legislation to enable hospitals to bill and receive reimbursement for healthcare and other services provided to psychiatric patients awaiting behavioral health services.

In addition, the panel discussed Senate Bill 28, which seeks to enhance the definitions of and limit the use of seclusion and restraint, which was introduced by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing).

The panel received updates on other issues including a federal update from federal lobbyist Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs, state budget negotiations and a recap of last year’s lame-duck session.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 17, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Convenes for Program Year

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Oct. 12 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals …

MDHHS Releases Medicaid Rate Increase Policies

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released two concurrent final and proposed policies to implement Medicaid rate increases included in the fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget for dates of service on and after Oct. 1, 2022 …

MHA Keystone Center Presents Annual Health Equity Summit

Registration is now open for the Michigan Health Equity Summit that will take place in-person at Lansing Community College West Campus and virtually from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 …

ED MOUD Funding Available – Applications Due Dec. 16

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) is partnering with the MHA Keystone Center, the Michigan Opioid Partnership (MOP) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide …

Webinar Prepares for The Joint Commission and CMS Health Equity Requirements

Recently, The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced their commitment in driving the next decade of health equity for people who are underserved. The commitment to advancing health equity …

MHA Podcast Explores Program Year Priorities with Michigan Medicine

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities …

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Supreme Court

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyIs the Honeymoon Over for Medicare Advantage?

“The bottom line: in the next 2-3 years, regulatory scrutiny of Medicare Advantage will increase and funding by Medicare will decrease. Congress will press for a clear correlation between Medicare’s solvency and MA cost-savings. Thus, it’s likely Medicare Advantage plans will charge higher premiums, limit benefits, intensify medical management activities, share more financial risk with high-performing provider organizations and offer services to new populations. Their margins will shrink, access to capital and enrollment growth will be imperatives, and innovation in holistic cost-effective care management and affordability key differentiators.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 10, 2022

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8News to Know

  • The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24, 2022.
  • Early in-person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available.
  • Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members.

Legislative Policy Panel Convenes for Program Year

Member News

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Oct. 12 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president, public affairs and communications, MHA, on a storytelling campaign advocating for funding solutions to the financial challenges facing MHA members. Sudderth described the objectives of the campaign, strategies that will be utilized and ways members can get involved. The campaign is a direct result of an MHA Board directive from the strategic action plan.

The panel also held a discussion on Certificate of Need in relation to pediatric psychiatric beds in Michigan and potential measures to improve access to care and patient experience. An additional portion of the meeting was dedicated towards reviewing challenges associated with placing patients in post-acute care settings and potential legislative options to assist hospitals.

Regarding an action item, the panel recommended the MHA support proposed state legislation to expand the swing bed program.

The panel received updates on other issues at the state level, including a preview of the upcoming lame-duck session, the November election and the 340B drug pricing program.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Jase Bolger Addresses Legislative Policy Panel

Member News
Former State House Speaker Jase Bolger addresses members of the MHA Legislative Policy Panel.

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened May 25 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from former State House Speaker Jase Bolger on the Michigan Legislative Term Limits and Financial Disclosure Amendment, which is on the November ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. The initiative is a bipartisan effort that would change Michigan’s term limits and require financial disclosure from lawmakers. The proposed constitutional amendment would change term limits for state legislators from three two-year terms in the state House and two four-year terms in the state Senate to 12 combined years in the Legislature. It would also require state legislative and executive officials to file annual financial disclosure reports on their income, assets, liabilities, gifts from lobbyists, positions held in certain organizations and agreements on future employment.

Moving to action items, the panel recommended supporting Senate Bill (SB) 680, which would create a new section of the public health code to license and regulate supplemental nursing services agencies. The panel also recommended the MHA remain neutral on SB 812 that would create a registry of certain types of specialized laboratories in Michigan. Lastly, the panel recommended the MHA support House Bill 5477, which would establish kratom as a Schedule II substance and regulate the sale and distribution of the product.

In addition, the panel received updates on other issues at the state level, including the state fiscal year 2023 budget and potential legislation on the 340B drug pricing program.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

State Senators Address Legislative Policy Panel

Member News
Sen. Jim Ananich

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened virtually March 23 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.

Sen. Aric Nesbitt
Sen. Aric Nesbitt
Sen. Jim Ananich
Sen. Jim Ananich

The meeting was highlighted by separate presentations from Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint). The senators provided redistricting and political updates representing their respective political parties. With 2022 being an election year in Michigan, each senator discussed top issues for voters, including inflation and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving to action items, the panel recommended supporting Senate Bill (SB) 680, which would give advance practice nurses that meet specific criteria full practice authority in Michigan. The panel also recommended the MHA support planned legislation that would modify requirements and reimbursement for mental health-related services at acute care hospitals. Lastly, the panel recommended the MHA support SB 811, which would allow for an extension of the temporary licensure period for speech language pathologists.

In addition, the panel received updates on issues at the state level, including the state fiscal year 2023 budget and efforts to reform the auto no-fault insurance law in Michigan. The state budget update included information on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive budget proposal presentation, signed healthcare workforce funding and a behavioral health supplemental funding bill. A presentation on the MHA Legislative Action Center was also provided, including information on how MHA members can use the tool to meet their own advocacy campaign goals. MHA CEO Brian Peters addressed the panel as well, reviewing progress made toward the MHA strategic action plan and accomplishments achieved at the state and federal levels.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 24, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MICNP and MSMS Address Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Jan. 19 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by presentations from representatives of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners and the Michigan State Medical Society …

Grants Awarded to Address Substance Use Disorder in Upper Peninsula

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced Jan. 19 that four Upper Peninsula community organizations will receive $490,000 in grant funding to help them address gaps in service for individuals and families facing substance use disorder and to support the development and growth …

Register Now for Jan. 28 Workplace Violence Response Training

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall. This affects workers not just physically, but mentally, contributing to burnout and worsening turnover. …

Virtual Breakthrough

MHA Breakthrough Discounts on Registration, Hotel Rates Expire Soon

The MHA’s major membership meeting Breakthrough will be held Feb. 17 and 18 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The early registration discount will expire Jan. 28 and the discounted room rate at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will expire Jan. 26. …

Nominations Open Through Feb. 18 for MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award

The valuable role of Michigan hospitals and healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic is unmistakable. Brave personnel throughout these facilities have worked for two years to care for the staggering number of patients coming through their doors. …

Member Forum to Examine MHA Strategic Action Plan

The MHA will host a virtual member forum from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 to outline the MHA 2021-2022 program year’s strategic action plan, which the MHA Board of Trustees approved in August. The forum will review the priorities set for the year, progress to date, and the tactics the association will use to …

Trustees Strategic Planning Webinar and New AHA Trustee Insights Available

The webinar Governance Megatrends: What is the Impact on Your Board? Is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 26 and will focus on relevant trends to the board and how to perform a comprehensive review of an existing strategic plan through pandemic-era eyes. Registrants will examine …

Salary.comSalary.com Offers 2022 Compensation Best Practices E-book

Salary.com, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner, is sharing its “10 Compensation Best Practices” e-book as a resource for hospital leaders to consider in developing compensation strategies. Hospitals and health systems continue to transform, and compensation …

News to Know

  • The MHA will host a free Lunch and Learn webinar from noon to 12:45 p.m. ET Feb. 1 to provide an update on the latest labor market trends and leading practices to attract and keep valuable employees.
  • DataGen hosted a national webinar Jan. 19 to review the 2022 Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system final rule and hospital impact analysis. A recording from the webinar is available online.

MHA in the News

WXYZ Detroit interviewed MHA CEO Brian Peters Jan. 19 to discuss the impact the COVID-19 surge is having on health systems statewide.