Tag: Lenise Freeman

MHA Monday Report April 20, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

House Budget Proposal Advances; Other Hospital Bills See Action

Several healthcare bills, including mandatory nurse overtime, medical debt collections, prescribed pediatric extended care facilities and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget, saw action in the legislature during the week of April 13. The Michigan Senate voted in support …

MHA Unemployment Compensation Program Receives Fifth Consecutive Award for Outstanding Performance

The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies April 17 for its continued commitment to using the State Information Data Exchange System to receive new claims and respond to …

Trinity Health Michigan Team Members Recognized with MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center recognized Camryn Smith and Alicia Evans, medical assistants at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipients. The Speak-up! Award …

MDHHS Convenes Statewide RHTP Advisory Council

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) convened the first Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Advisory Council meeting on April 13. Three rural hospital leaders from MHA-member hospitals serve on the council: Julie …

CMS Releases FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2027. Highlights of the proposed rule include: …

LARA to Host Webinar on Proposed Psychiatric Hospital Licensing Rule Changes

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Bureau of Community Health Systems, will host a webinar from 3 to 3:30 p.m., May 7, to review proposed updates to administrative rules …

MEJI Seeks Input on Guardianship Training Initiative

The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking feedback from members to help shape upcoming guardianship training. Members are encouraged to complete a brief survey to share input on what is needed, how it should …

Upcoming Opportunities to Prioritize Workplace Safety

As MHA CEO Brian Peters stated in his April CEO Report, it’s critical – especially during Workplace Violence Prevention Month – to prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare workers. The MHA Keystone Center and …

Hospitals Help: Bronson Drives Change in Maternal and Infant Health

From prenatal care and labor and delivery to neonatal intensive care and postpartum follow-up, Bronson Healthcare plays a critical role in influencing health outcomes for mothers and babies across Southwest Michigan. In celebrating a historic …

Keckley Report

The AHA Annual Membership Meeting: Three Issues that Require Attention

“This weekend, the American Hospital Association will convene its 2026 Annual Membership Meeting in DC. Its purpose is to equip leaders to engage with lawmakers and government officials on issues of consequence to hospitals.

The agenda includes panels on age-friendly health systems, post-acute services, AI and more, interspersed with punditry from members of Congress and political commentators. It’s a federally-focused meeting at a time when the current administration has signaled distaste for healthcare and frustrations with hospitals. …

Key questions for hospitals: What does value mean in our organization? To whom is our value focus directed? Is quality in our organization an end in itself or a means to a financial result? Is participation in VBC projects helpful to our organization or is watchful waiting prudent?

The American Hospital Association, its state affiliates and its members face unprecedented challenges in 2026 and beyond. While attention is focused on short-term rules and regulations that protect hospital revenues (340B, site neutral payments, Medicaid cuts, et al), equal consideration is needed to the long-term role and scope of hospitals in emergent systems of health. That makes the AHA Board’s selection of retiring CEO Rick Pollock’s successor and the deliberation of the AHA Board about the long-term future for hospitals even more consequential.”

Paul Keckley, April 12, 2026

New to Know

News to Know

  • Applications are being accepted for the 2026-27 MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship for hospital and health system trustees.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner SmarterDx is hosting the webinar “Making the Case for AI-Powered CDI” May 7 at 1 p.m. ET in partnership with ACDIS.

MHA in the News

Recent coverage of the Michigan Senate’s April 15 action on mandatory nurse overtime highlighted the MHA’s active engagement in ensuring hospital concerns were reflected in the final package. MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown was …

LARA to Host Webinar on Proposed Psychiatric Hospital Licensing Rule Changes

Member News

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Bureau of Community Health Systems (BCHS), will host a webinar from 3 to 3:30 p.m., May 7, to review proposed updates to administrative rules for licensing psychiatric hospitals and units. The proposed changes would replace the current rule set and may affect impacted providers.

The webinar will provide an overview of the proposed administrative rules. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the informal draft of the Licensing Psychiatric Hospitals and Units administrative rules before the session.

The BCHS webinar is open to organizations and individuals impacted by psychiatric hospitals and unit licensing requirements. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with the option to add the event to their calendar. The MHA encourages members from psychiatric hospitals and units to join.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report April 13, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Health & Hospital Association Establishes MHA Center of Rural Excellence

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) announced April 10 the establishment of the MHA Center of Rural Excellence, a 501(c)(6) organization created to formalize and strengthen the collective voice of rural hospitals through support tailored …

State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees welcomed Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) as a guest speaker at its April 8 board meeting at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing. Sen. Brinks shared …

CMS Releases FY 2027 Proposed Rules Across Care Settings

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released several proposed rules for fiscal year (FY) 2027 that update Medicare payment systems and quality reporting requirements.

MDHHS Recommends Early Measles Vaccination in Select Counties and Extends RSV Immunization Season

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending early measles vaccination for infants in select southeast Michigan counties and extending the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization season through April 30, in …

Keystone Quality and Safety Dashboard Provides At-a-Glance Insights

The MHA Keystone Center recently rolled out its Quality and Safety Dashboard, a resource that helps Michigan hospitals monitor performance, identify improvement opportunities and reduce patient harm. The dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of performance …

MHA Submits Comments on Proposed Behavioral Health Medicaid Policy

The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on proposed policy 2553-BH, which addresses reimbursement for specialty behavioral health services based on service location. While the policy largely reflects …

Council Workgroups Advance Care Delivery Strategies

The MHA Council on Health Access and Community Impact, established in June 2024, brings together voices from across the MHA membership to advance a shared commitment to improving healthcare and health outcomes. Over the past …

MDHHS Seeks Applications for Loan Repayment Program to Expand Substance Use Disorder Treatment

The MDHHS is accepting applications through April 30 for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program, which supports providers who offer or expand access to opioid addiction …

YesRx Donation Drive Expands Access to Cancer Medications

The MHA continues to support the YesRx statewide cancer medication donation drive, taking place April 20-24, to help expand access to treatment and reduce medication waste across Michigan. YesRx is a statewide cancer drug repository …

Hospitals Help: Hillsdale Works to Improve Access for Rural Residents

Rural hospitals are the heart of their communities, providing care close to home in addition to jobs, stability and reassurance that help is nearby in life’s most pivotal moments. Despite their essential role, rural providers …

Keckley Report

In OMB’s FY 2027 Proposed Budget, Healthcare is the Big Loser

“In 1970 before there was ESPN Sports Center, there was ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” and its iconic montage opening featuring a disastrous ski jump attempt by Yugoslavia’s Vinko Bogataj and Jim Kay’s voice-over “the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.” It’s an apt framework for consideration of current affairs in the U.S. today and an appropriate juxtaposition for consideration the winners and losers in the White House Office of Management and Budget FY2027 released Friday. …

In its current form, this budget is unlikely to be enacted October 1, 2026: it’s best viewed as a signal from the White House about priorities it deems most important to the MAGA faithful in Congress, 28 state legislatures and 26 Governors’ offices controlled by Republicans. Though its explosive growth in of War Department funding to $1.5 trillion is eye-popping, cuts to healthcare are equally notable. Both are calculated bets as the mid-term election draws near (six months) and clearly OMB is betting healthcare cuts will be acceptable to its base. …

This budget proposal clearly illustrates why state legislators and Governors will play a bigger role in its future at home and abroad. And it means consumer (voter) awareness and understanding on key issues will be key to the system’s future, lest it is remembered for the agony of its defeat than the thrill of its victory.”

Paul Keckley, April 6, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

The MHA will host a Health Access and Community Impact Office Hours session April 29 from noon to 12:45 p.m. ET, featuring Michigan 211.

MHA in the News

Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy general counsel, MHA, joined Paul W. Smith for a WJR Spotlight interview April 9 about the value the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program brings to Michigan communities. The conversation …

MHA Monday Report April 6, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

MHA EventsHospital HR Professionals Gather at MHA Human Resources Conference

The MHA welcomed human resources leaders from across the state for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference March 24 in Lansing. Attendees gathered for a day of learning, networking and discussions focused on the workforce …

CMS Issues Guidance on Updated Federal Dietary Guidelines

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Quality & Safety Special Alert Memo reminding critical access hospital providers of their responsibilities for patient food and nutrition services under existing …

MHA Annual Membership Meeting Strengthens Statewide Collaboration

The MHA Annual Membership Meeting will be held June 24-26 on Mackinac Island. It will include education sessions that deliver tactics and perspectives to shape the future, recognition of prestigious individuals leading transformation and numerous …

Excellence in Governance Fellowship Offers Meaningful Dialogue Among Trustees and Experts

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 cohort of the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship, a rigorous and comprehensive program delivering tools and knowledge in effective governance. Hospital and health system governing board members …

Hospitals Help: Kalkaska Memorial Walks Beside Patients at Discharge

Patients often feel most vulnerable during the transition from hospital to home – especially if questions linger, follow-up care is extensive or there’s any risk of complications. Knowing this, hospitals are finding ways to ensure …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Violence Is Not Part of the Job

Healthcare workers accept extraordinary responsibility in their role as caregivers for their community, but fearing for their own safety is never something they should have to accept as part of the job. …

March Recap

March was marked by a strong focus on National Nutrition Month, highlighting how hospitals are advancing Food as Medicine efforts across Michigan. The following articles recap key conversations and initiatives supporting improved health outcomes through nutrition.

Food as Medicine: How Trinity Health Is Advancing Health Through Nutrition

Food is Medicine. Health by Food. ProduceRx. The integration of healthy food into healthcare is gaining attention under many names, but the message remains the same: access to healthy foods as a part of care. …

Health Access & Community Impact Council Focuses on Food as Medicine

The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored …

Hospitals Expand Food Access Through Community Benefit Collaboratives

As many observe National Nutrition Month, hospitals across the state are implementing programs to address chronic disease through nutrition education and expanded food access. This work is being done through the MHA Community Benefit Collaboratives, which support efforts to improve Michiganders’ health outcomes in …

Keckley Report

Reality Check: the New Healthcare Advisory Committee

“Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Mehmet Oz announced appointments to the new Healthcare Advisory Committee (HAC).

Its 18 members were selected from 400 nominees and will serve two-year terms. The group includes 4 health system executives, 5 physician leaders, 4 policy analysts, 3 ‘others’ (including motivational speaker Tony Robbins) and 2 Ex Officio (Non‑Voting) Members (Kimberly Brandt, JD — CMS Deputy Administrator & COO Stephanie Carlton, CMS Chief of Staff). …

The U.S. health system is in chaos. Its long-term destination is unknown. It’s near-term is mired in political brinksmanship and discontent about its costs and affordability. It is unhealthy. Majorities in both parties, and independent voters think the system is broken but few know what a viable alternative might be. Lost but making record time!!!”

Paul Keckley, March 29, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner i2G Systems is hosting the webinar Pathway to Prevention April 22 from 11 a.m. to noon ET.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the 2027 AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 30 following Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy Laura Appel’s participation in two panels focused on key healthcare challenges and opportunities. WZMQ …

CMS Issues Guidance on Updated Federal Dietary Guidelines

Member News

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Quality & Safety Special Alert Memo reminding hospitals and critical access hospital providers of their responsibilities for patient food and nutrition services under existing Medicare Conditions of Participation.

The memo follows the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and directs hospitals to review and update their menus and nutrition practices to better align with current federal recommendations.

Medicare already requires hospitals to provide meals that meet patient nutritional needs under the oversight of a qualified dietitian.

The updated guidelines emphasize diet quality, including limiting highly processed food, sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, while encouraging whole and minimally processed foods.

This update does not create new requirements but reinforces existing expectations. Hospitals that do not meet current standards may still face enforcement actions under existing rules. The Cornerstone Group, the MHA’s Washington, D.C.-based government affairs representation, provided an additional analysis on the requirements.

Hospitals are encouraged to evaluate their current nutrition practices and make updates as appropriate while continuing to meet the needs of individual patients.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Finalizes Medicaid Policy Updates to Mental Health Framework

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid policy updates to the Michigan Mental Health Framework, making several changes from the proposed version related to assessment use, timing and provider eligibility.

Reassessments may now be conducted based on clinical judgment without a defined “change in condition.”

Additional clarifications include:

  • Services may be delivered and reimbursed before an assessment is completed.
  • Individuals should be assessed when first presenting for services.
  • A new assessment is not required if one is already on file in the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System.
  • Preadmission screening and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan processes remain unchanged.

The policy also introduces new guardrails around the use of standardized assessments. Assessments should not be conducted during a crisis and cannot be used to determine, limit or restrict the amount, scope or duration of services. These provisions were not included in the proposed policy and signal a shift toward clinical decision-making and patient access.

The update expands provider eligibility, allowing nonlicensed bachelor’s-level providers to conduct assessments.

In addition, the age criteria for the tools were updated. The Level of Care Utilization System now applies to individuals age 18 and older, while MichiCANS applies from birth through age 18.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MC3 Launches Free Webinar Series on Supporting Youth in Crisis

Member News

Michigan Clinical Consultation & Care (MC3) is launching a free virtual education series beginning March 10 to help healthcare professionals better support children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health crises.

The Practical Strategies to Support Youth Risk for Behavioral Escalation series will be held biweekly on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. ET and will feature 30-minute presentations followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A with clinical experts.

The program was developed following meetings between MC3 leaders and emergency services and health systems teams across Michigan. Leaders reported that providers and staff often face challenges managing behavioral escalation among youth in crisis settings.

The webinars are designed for professionals working in emergency, acute and crisis environments. Sessions will cover topics such as trauma-informed care, behavioral dysregulation and strategies for supporting youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The series is open to healthcare professionals statewide at no cost. Participants can learn more and register through MC3.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA Opposes Federal Student Loan Proposal Affecting Healthcare Workforce

Member News

The MHA recently submitted a comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rule that would change how certain graduate health programs qualify for federal student loan programs under H.R. 1.

The proposal would revise the definition of “professional student” and “professional degree” under 34 CFR 685.102, limiting enhanced federal borrowing eligibility to certain doctoral-level programs. The MHA raised concerns that the proposal does not reflect the structure of today’s healthcare workforce and could worsen existing provider shortages.

Hospitals across Michigan rely on a range of licensed health professionals, including licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses and physician assistants. Many of these providers complete accredited programs, meet clinical training requirements and obtain state licenses. However, several of these programs would not qualify as “professional” under the proposed rule.

The MHA cautioned that restricting loan eligibility for these programs could discourage students from entering fields already facing workforce shortages. Nearly all rural Michigan counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas for primary care and behavioral health, and many hospitals rely on master’s-level clinicians to maintain access to care.

The MHA urged the Department of Education to adopt a broader definition that reflects accreditation and licensure standards. The MHA will continue monitoring the rulemaking process and share updates with members as they become available.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Shares 2026 MICH Requirements Updates

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released updated information for calendar year 2026 regarding coverage regions and participating plans for Mi Coordinated Health (MICH).

MICH is the state’s Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, which integrates Medicare and Medicaid benefits under a single managed care plan for eligible beneficiaries.

For 2026, MICH will continue operating in select Medicaid regions with county-level availability changes:

  • The Upper Peninsula Health Plan will not be available in Chippewa, Gogebic or Menominee counties in 2026.
  • In southwest Michigan, Molina will not be available in St. Joseph County. Participating plans in the region will include Aetna, Priority Health, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare-Meridian.
  • In Wayne County, participating plans will include Aetna, AmeriHealth, HAP CareSource, Priority, Humana, Molina, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare-Meridian.
  • In Macomb County, participating plans will include Aetna, AmeriHealth, HAP CareSource, Humana, Molina, Priority, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare-Meridian.

Providers are encouraged to consult the MICH provider contact list for plan-specific contracting information. Beneficiaries seeking to enroll or disenroll must work directly with their assigned health plan or contact 1-800-MEDICARE.

Additional Resources

MDHHS has made several resources available for providers and beneficiaries, including:

Members with any questions may contact Lenise Freeman 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 …