Tag: Lenise Freeman

MHA Supports Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Postpartum Mental Health Screenings

Member News

The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in support of the proposal to expand Medicaid coverage for maternal mental health screenings up to 12 months postpartum.

Postpartum depression affects one in eight individuals, with symptoms often appearing months after childbirth. At nine to 10 months postpartum, 7.2% of individuals report depressive symptoms, many for the first time, highlighting the need for extended screening.

The MHA noted the importance of using validated tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and aligning with recommendations from national medical organizations will help identify and treat more cases of postpartum depression. Extending coverage will close care gaps, improve outcomes for families and strengthen maternal and infant health statewide.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Community Benefit Collaborative Members Gather for Kickoff Event

Member News
Lenise Freeman, MHA, and Gayle Shipp, Michigan State University, present to participants during the Community Benefit Collaborative kickoff event.
Lenise Freeman, MHA; and Gayle Shipp, Michigan State University; present to participants during the MHA Community Benefit Collaborative kickoff event.

The MHA brought together the Community Benefit Collaborative members for a daylong kickoff event on Oct. 2 to network and learn from peers across the state conducting community benefit work in chronic disease, behavioral health and maternal health. Agenda topics included creating welcoming spaces to build trust, implementing effective data collection strategies and learning about the Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s initiatives.

The event began with an opening panel featuring subject matter experts in the three areas who discussed implementation, engagement and data collection strategies in community benefit work. Speakers included Katelyn Smoger, director, food as medicine at the farm, Trinity Health; Courtney Latimer, manager, office of community health, education & wellness, Henry Ford Health; and Jennifer Johnson, professor, Michigan State University.

A presentation on creating welcoming and inclusive spaces that build trust followed. Speakers included Gayle Shipp, assistant professor, Michigan State University; and Lenise Freeman, policy analyst, MHA. This discussion focused on the importance of patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity and the connection between hospital reputation and community benefit programming.

Furthermore, program officers Michelle Gagliardi and Sara Wasil from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund shared current efforts in chronic disease, maternal health and behavioral health.

The event concluded with breakout sessions for each topic area to discuss data collection strategies to showcase success. Participants also discussed ways to collect stories that illustrate the impact of their work and highlight the ongoing need for community benefit programs.

Members with questions may contact Nadia Syed at the MHA.

To learn more about community benefit collaboratives, visit the community benefit collaboratives webpage and the October 2025 CEO Report..

MDHHS Introduces New Provider Updates Under Michigan’s Mental Health Framework

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced new requirements under the state’s Mental Health Framework to strengthen assessments, referrals and care coordination for Medicaid enrollees. These changes take effect beginning October 2025.

Standardized Referrals

The MDHHS will launch a standardized mental health referrals policy, which will be phased in during fiscal year (FY) 2026, aiming to ensure timely and consistent referrals across Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs).

Key elements include:

  • A single referral form and process across providers and plans.
  • Use of the CareConnect360 (CC360) referrals module for tracking and information sharing across MHPs, PIHPs and Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs).
  • Proactive monitoring of referrals by MHPs.

Initially, MHPs, PIHPs and CMHSPs will participate in the new referral process. Providers contracted with MHPs but not part of a CMHSP will not be required to participate immediately.

Standardized Assessments

Qualified mental health providers whose scope includes assessment of mental health needs will be required to use standardized tools:

  • MichiCANS: for children and youth under age 21.
  • LOCUS: for adults 21 and older.

Training will continue throughout FY 2026, and providers will not lose reimbursement while completing training.

  • MichiCANS: Requires completion of both TCOM Orientation and MichiCANS Overview trainings. Additional sessions are available through December 2025. Providers are encouraged to register.
  • LOCUS: Registration will open once training resources are available. Providers may sign up through a survey to receive updates.

Members may reference two new resources, which include comparison rates and a frequently asked questions document on the Mental Health Framework webpage.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Updates Mental Health Framework Webpage

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated its Mental Health Framework (MHF) webpage with new resources for providers.

Recordings and slide decks from the MHF 101 webinar, the MichiCANS Screener and LOCUS All Provider Draft Rate Meeting 101 webinar are now available. These sessions provide background and technical updates to support provider engagement within the framework.

The webpage now includes expanded information on standardized assessment trainings. Providers can access details and instructions for registering for upcoming MichiCANS trainings. While LOCUS training is not yet available, the MDHHS will share additional updates once those sessions are avaliable.

Providers are encouraged to visit the MDHHS Mental Health Framework webpage regularly for the most up-to-date information and resources.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report July 21, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

CMS Releases Medicare 2026 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system effective Jan. 1, 2026. The proposed rule: Provides a net 0.9% increase …

On Demand Webinar: Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare recently hosted the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets. Speakers  John Higgins, vice president of talent management, Essentia Health, …

Vaccination Resources Available for Healthcare Providers

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 …

MDHHS Proposes Policy Changes to Streamline Mental Health Assessments for Youth

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to revise the Michigan Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (MichiCANS) screening tool for individuals under age 21. The policy aims …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Examines The Boards Role in Workforce Strategy

The July edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights board-level strategies for advancing leadership development, governance structure, care transformation and the use of AI in healthcare data analysis. …

Keckley Report

AMA, AHA Board Meetings this week: Shared Concerns, Divergent Positioning

“This week, two boards with much on the line in U.S. healthcare will convene:

  • The American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees will meet in San Diego.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees will meet in Nashville.

Media scrutiny: Media attention to physicians and hospitals is significant and increasing. Winning the hearts and minds of populations is complicated and expensive. Polling suggests the public trusts physicians, nurses and pharmacists more than hospitals, insurers and drug companies but concerns about affordability and institutional mistrust are mounting for all.”

Paul Keckley, July 13, 2025

MHA in the News

The MHA continued to receive media coverage during the week of July 14 about the impacts of the federal budget reconciliation bill, officially referred to as the One Big Beautiful Big Act (OBBBA). Coverage includes …

MHA Monday Report July 14, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Debt Legislation Introduced, Maternal and Behavioral Health Bills Clear Senate

Legislation addressing medical debt was introduced in the Michigan State Senate June 26. The bipartisan three-bill package, Senate Bills 449, 450 and 451, codify the existence of hospital financial assistance programs, create new …

MHA Service Corporation Highlights Security Technology Solutions and Action Plan Priorities

The MHA Service Corporation board held its final meeting of the 2024-2025 program year focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of protecting access, workforce support, strengthening cybercrime and cybersecurity policy, mental …

CMS Releases Home Health PPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule updating the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2026. Highlights of the proposed rule include: A 6% …

Deadline Approaching to Qualify for MDHHS Maternal Health Quality Payments

Birthing hospitals pursuing the 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal Health Quality Payments must meet all requirements by July 31 to receive payments. Eligibility requirements include full participation in the Michigan …

Free Substance Use Disorder Technical Assistance Available

The Michigan Opioid Partnership is offering free, tailored technical assistance to help Michigan hospitals and healthcare providers improve care for patients with substance use disorders, whether they are implementing new protocols or strengthening existing …

Virtual Maternal Health Quality Improvement Courses Available

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering virtual modules to support maternal health quality improvement efforts. All obstetric team members at MI AIM participating birthing hospitals are encouraged to complete …

MHA Shares State Impacts and Insights at Regional 340B Roundtable

MHA staff attended the Regional 340B Roundtable July 8 in Florence, IN to join colleagues from the Indiana Hospital Association, Ohio Hospital Association, Kentucky Hospital Association and endorsed business partner, SunRx, to share best practices for successful 340B administration and …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Final LARA Rules for Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding administrative rules finalized by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), updating licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan. The rules, …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — A Year of Progress and Purpose

With another program year behind us, the MHA Annual Meeting served as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to advance the health and well-being of Michigan’s patients and communities. Despite an evolving political landscape, we’ve made meaningful progress and are moving …

Keckley Report

Special Edition: Lessons from the ACA applicable to the Big Beautiful Bill

“One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed both houses of Congress by the thinnest of margins and was signed into law by President Trump last Thursday. It is the most significant legislation for U.S. healthcare since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law by President Obama March 23, 2010. …

It’s too soon to know what the results will be for OBBBA. Many fear it will cause irreparable damage to the safety net—public health programs, rural and safety net hospitals, nursing homes and others that serve lower-income and disabled populations. Some see it as a necessary reset asserting waste, fraud and abuse in healthcare has been allowed to fester, harming those in bona-fide need and keeping resources in healthcare better used elsewhere.

What’s known for sure is that opinions about the OBBBA will change as it’s implemented over the next four years. How states address work requirements and implementation will be central to its success.  And executive orders, administrative actions, court decisions and market conditions will alter its trajectory—especially economic conditions at home.”

Paul Keckley, July 6, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth, is hosting the webinar Price Transparency in 2025: What’s Required, What’s Coming, What to do Now, for MHA members from 2 to 3 p.m. ET July 16.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the weeks of June 30 and July 7 on Medicaid cuts included in the federal budget reconciliation bill. MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Final LARA Rules for Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

Member News

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding administrative rules finalized by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), updating licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan. The rules, issued through the Bureau of Professional Licensing, took effect May 8, 2025.

These updates align licensing requirements with evolving accreditation standards and aim to modernize healthcare regulation, reduce barriers to practice and uphold patient safety.

Key changes addressed in the summary include:

  • Delegation of Certain Procedures: Removes the prohibition on delegating medications or devices intended to cause miscarriage or fetal death in a pregnant patient.
  • COMLEX-USA Exam Attempt Limits: Reduces the maximum number of exam attempts per level from six to four.
  • Removal of Seven-Year Completion Rule: Eliminates the requirement to complete all levels of the licensing exam within seven years of passing the first.
  • Continuing Education Waiver Clarification: Provides new guidance on when and how licensees may request continuing education waivers.
  • Implicit Bias Training Eligibility: Allows implicit bias training under Rule 338.7004 to count toward continuing education requirements.
  • Expanded CE Provider Options: Permits non-Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)-accredited programs to qualify if offered in partnership with an ACCME-accredited organization.

Members are encouraged to review the summary and share it with relevant clinical and credentialing staff. For questions, please contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 9, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation Introduced

Legislation to address violence against healthcare workers was introduced June 3 in the Michigan House of Representatives. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced House Bills 4532 – 4535 to address violence against healthcare workers …

MHA Provides Powerful Testimony on Federal Threats to Medicaid

The Senate Health Policy Committee held a nearly two-hour hearing June 4 on federal threats to Medicaid. The Senate Health Policy Committee heard from several healthcare stakeholders and members of the Protect MI Care Coalition …

MHA Testifies on Next of Kin Bills, Healthcare Legislation Advances

The MHA provided testimony to the House Judiciary Committee in support of next of kin care bills and healthcare legislation advanced during the week of June 2. House Bills 4418 – 4419, introduced by …

MHA Awards Peer Recovery Coach Grants

The MHA has granted funding to seven institutions to support the 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 …

MDHHS Releases ALS Administrative Rules

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new administrative rule requiring the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cases across the state. The rule took effect May 15, making Michigan the …

Prioritizing a Culture of Safety — For Everyone in Healthcare

The MHA proudly affirms our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients AND healthcare workers. Which is why we are diligently working to address the alarming rise in violence against healthcare workers and continue to advocate for …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity

I recently had the privilege of joining leaders from across the state to discuss the most pressing issues for Michiganders at the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. Because our member hospitals and health systems are not only critical providers of care, but also major economic drivers, …

Keckley Report

Is the Public Losing Confidence in Hospitals?

“On May 24, the House of Representatives passed One Big Budget Bill that now heads to the Senate for its version this week. The stakes for hospitals are high as the House version includes $700 billion (10-year) Medicaid cuts that adversely impact lower and working-class households and most hospitals. …

These findings suggest the public holds a somewhat negative view of hospitals, especially among younger adults. The majority of U.S. adults think hospitals are not addressing community needs adequately and spending too much on executive pay. But they think hospitals are ‘less quilty’ of making ‘too much money’ than insurers.

Is the public losing confidence in its hospitals? Yes, but more for some than others, and responding requires more than better marketing.”

Paul Keckley, June 2, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative & public policy, MHA, joined to provide insight on how Michigan continues to experience issues with timely access to behavioral health services.

MDHHS Releases ALS Administrative Rules

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new administrative rule requiring the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis cases across the state. The rule took effect May 15, making Michigan the fifth state in the nation to implement such a mandate.

Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease advances, it gradually impairs the ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. Thousands of new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Under the rule, healthcare providers and organizations are required to report confirmed ALS cases to MDHHS. The data will be compiled into a statewide registry to help monitor trends and support broader public health planning.

MDHHS will use the information to study how ALS is occurring across Michigan, examine any regional patterns and track changes over time. These efforts are expected to guide planning, improve service coordination and contribute to research at the state and national level.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA

MHA Monday Report June 2, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA and DataGen to Host Upcoming Medicare Quality-Based Program Webinars

The MHA has partnered with DataGen to host two upcoming webinars focused on the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs which can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6% based on performance. The webinars …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Recent MDHHS Blood Lead Testing Mandate Rules

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) adoption of new administrative rules establishing universal blood lead testing requirements for minors across the state. The goal of …

CMS Issues New Guidance on Hospital Price Transparency Requirements

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated guidance May 22 related to hospital price transparency requirements under Executive Order 14221, “Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate and Actionable …

Language, Trust and Care: Reflections from the AHA Behavioral Health Workshop

I had the opportunity to attend at the end of April a Behavioral Health Workshop in New Orleans hosted by the American Hospital Association. This interactive event brought together hospital leaders, clinical teams and behavioral health professionals to co-design care

Keckley Report

The Summer of 2025 for U.S. Healthcare: What Organizations should Expect

“Last Thursday, the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its 68-page report “Making America’s Children Healthy Again Assessment” featuring familiar themes—the inadequacy of attention to chronic disease by the health system, the “over-medicalization” of patient care vis a vis prescription medicines et al, the contamination of the food-supply by harmful ingredients, and more. HHS Secretary Kennedy, EPA Administrator Zeldin and Agriculture Secretary Rollins pledged war on the corporate healthcare system ‘that has failed the public’ and an all-of-government approach to remedies for burgeoning chronic care needs. …

As MAHA promotes its agenda, Congress passes a budget and MAGA advances its anti-establishment agenda vis a vis DOGE et al, healthcare operators will be in limbo. The dust will settle somewhat this summer, but longer-term bets will be modified for most organizations as compliance risks change, state responsibilities expand, capital markets react and Campaign 2026 unfolds.

And in most households, concern about the affordability of medical care will elevate as federal and state funding cuts force higher out of pocket costs on consumers and demand for lower prices.

The summer will be busy for everyone in healthcare.”

Paul Keckley, May 27, 2025

Laura AppelMHA in the News

WLUC TV6 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula published a story May 29 on the shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds in Michigan, placing a heavy focus on the testimony the MHA delivered May 20 before the House …