Tag: Lenise Freeman

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

Monday Report, Member News

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 …

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

Member News

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 these rules is to improve early detection and prevent lead poisoning in children. The rules establish standardized testing requirements for physicians treating minors and mandate integration of test results into the Michigan Care Improvement Registry.

The executive summary provides members with more details of the following:

  • Testing requirements.
  • Identification of high-risk jurisdictions.
  • Reporting and immunization records integrations.
  • Parental objections.
  • Recommended actions for hospitals.

Members are encouraged to review the executive summary and share it with other hospital leaders. Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

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

Member News, MHA Rounds

Byline: Lenise Freeman, Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow

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 strategies that improve outcomes, particularly for individuals managing mental health and substance use conditions.

The workshop focused on person-centered care, with the clear message of how we communicate with patients is just as important as the services we deliver. In one session, we discussed “how might we” questions, such as how to align care with patients’ language needs and how to involve families and caregivers in treatment planning.

We explored practical solutions like hiring staff who speak multiple languages, giving patients the option to search for providers based on language and adding visual tools and multilingual signage to clinical spaces. Among the discussion, the value of training teams to use clear, respectful language and to be mindful of different communication preferences from patients was highlighted.

One message that stood out to me was how often communication gaps point to broader challenges in the healthcare system. When patients don’t have access to language support or feel uncomfortable speaking up, it becomes harder to build trust and deliver effective care. Attendees raised long-standing issues such as staffing shortages, outdated licensing rules and underdeveloped data systems.

There was a shared urgency to address these concerns. Participants emphasized the need for national standards on language access, better career pathways for multilingual professionals and increased resources for staff training. Many also talked about the importance of building stronger relationships between providers and the communities they serve.

This discussion reminded me of Michigan hospitals’ commitment to prioritizing the patient voice. Across the state, hospitals continue to invest in patient advocacy and support services. The MHA has worked with several organizations through its Endorsed Business Partner Program to connect members with solutions that improve access to care, including tools and resources for language services.

My biggest takeaway is that thoughtful care requires intention at every level. From how we design spaces and prepare staff to how we listen and respond to patient feedback, every detail matters.

This workshop was a meaningful reminder that improving behavioral healthcare starts with listening and that progress is possible when we commit to clear, consistent action.

MHA Monday Report May 26, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Testifies in House Oversight Subcommittee, IMLC and AOT Legislation Passes Senate

The MHA provided testimony May 21 to the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security on certain challenges related to behavioral health patients and the need for inpatient psychiatric beds across the state. …

Medical Residents Highlight Workforce Needs During 2025 GME Capitol Day

The MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day welcomed more than 40 physician residents from a dozen member hospitals to the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center offices May 21 for a day of meetings with members …

MHA Keystone Center PSO to Hosts Two Safe Tables in June

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) will host two upcoming safe table events in June focused on cybersecurity risk management and regulatory inspections. These events offer healthcare leaders an opportunity to engage in …

Federal Agencies Pause Enforcement of 2024 Mental Health Parity Rule

The Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury recently announced that the 2024 final rule on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act will not be enforced, following a legal …

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 …

Today’s Students Are Tomorrow’s Workforce

The healthcare workforce has been a top priority for MHA’s members, an active pillar in the annual strategic action plan for several years. The healthcare profession is arguably one of the most rewarding career fields, leaving lasting impacts on communities. …

Keckley Report

The Winners and Losers in One Big Beautiful Bill

“This week, Republicans in the House will pass “One Big Beautiful Bill” they can forward to the Senate ahead of their self-imposed Memorial Day deadline. Its fate in the GOP controlled Senate is likely to be less partisan with a similar outcome: in some form, it will pass setting the stage for Campaign 2026 partisan posturing and continued chaos for most industries especially healthcare.  …

What’s clear is this: healthcare is suspected of widespread waste, poor performance and putting profits above patient care by lawmakers in DC, state capitals, non-healthcare business leaders and the majority of the public who think a shake-up is needed. Each organization in healthcare believes it operates for the greater good and delivers optimal value for funds received. The budgeting process prompts questions about who’s right.”

Paul Keckley, May 19, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled May 26 in honor of Memorial Day.
  • The MHA is seeking dedicated leaders to serve on its committees, councils and task forces, with the call for participation open through June 2, 2025.

Lauren LaPineMHA in the News

The MHA received news coverage during the week of May 19 highlighted by stories related to Mental Health Awareness Month and the need to expand state psychiatric bed capacity. Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and …

Federal Agencies Pause Enforcement of 2024 Mental Health Parity Rule

Member News

The Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury recently announced that the 2024 final rule on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MPHAEA) will not be enforced, following a legal challenge by the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC).

The 2024 rule expanded upon 2013 regulations by introducing new requirements for nonquantitative treatment limitation analyses, designed to strengthen parity between mental health and medical or surgical benefits. In January 2025, ERIC filed a suit arguing the new rule is arbitrary and unlawful.

In response, the departments asked the courts to pause enforcement and indicated they may revisit the rule through future rulemaking. Citing executive order 14219, which directs agencies to reduce regulatory burdens, the departments confirmed they will not enforce the 2024 provisions for violations occurring before a final court decision and for 18 months thereafter.

The enforcement pause applies only to the new provisions introduced in the 2024 rule. The 2013 final rule and the underlying Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act statute, including amendments from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, remain in effect.

The Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging states, which are the primary enforcers of parity requirements for health insurance issuers, to adopt a similar approach. States that pause enforcement of the 2024 provisions but continue enforcing the 2013 rule and statute will not be considered out of compliance by HHS.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

LARA Finalizes Osteopathic Licensing and Practice Rules

Member News

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently finalized administrative rules that update licensing and practice standards for osteopathic medicine and surgery in Michigan, effective May 8, 2025.

The revised rules, issued through the Bureau of Professional Licensing, reflect changes to licensing exams, continuing education and scope of practice, aligning with evolving accreditation standards. Physicians and license applicants are encouraged to review the updates to ensure compliance.

Key changes include:

  • Delegation of Certain Procedures: The updated rules remove the ban on delegating medications or devices intended to cause miscarriage or fetal death in a pregnant patient.
  • COMLEX-USA Exam Attempt Limits: The maximum number of attempts per level on the licensing exam is now four, reduced from six.
  • Removal of Seven-Year Completion Rule: Applicants are no longer required to complete all exam levels within seven years of passing the first.
  • Continuing Education Waiver Clarification: New guidance is provided on when and how licensees may request waivers.
  • Implicit Bias Training Eligibility: Implicit bias training under Rule 338.7004 may now count toward continuing education requirements.
  • Expanded CE Provider Options: Non-ACCME-accredited education programs may qualify if partnered with an ACCME-accredited organization.

These revisions are part of Michigan’s efforts to modernize healthcare regulation, reduce barriers to practice and uphold public safety.

The MHA is preparing an executive summary of the rule changes to share with members in the coming weeks.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.