Tag: MDHHS

MHA Monday Report July 13, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Legislature Advances Several Healthcare Bills During State Budget Negotiations

The Michigan Legislature passed more than 65 policy bills, including several healthcare-focused measures, as part of the state budget negotiations during the week of June 30. Several healthcare bills advanced from the Legislature to the …

MHA Center of Rural Excellence Board Convenes Inaugural Meeting

The MHA Center of Rural Excellence held its first Board of Directors meeting June 24 during the 2026 MHA Annual Membership Meeting. The board conducted organizational business focused on governance, rural health initiatives and strategic …

Refreshed MHA Website Launches July 14

The MHA will launch a refreshed MHA website July 14, featuring improved navigation, enhanced functionality and a more intuitive user experience designed to improve access to advocacy topics, news, events and resources. Developed based on …

CMS Releases Medicare Proposed Rules for CY 2027

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released proposed rules updating Medicare payment systems and quality reporting requirements for calendar year (CY) 2027.

Excellence in Governance Fellowship Celebrates 2025-26 Graduates

Members of the 2025-26 MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship class graduated June 24. Thirteen fellows completed the nine-month program focused on enhancing board member knowledge, skills and value. …

MDHHS Updates Immunization Documentation Process

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently changed the process for documenting immunizations and the forms that should be used. Effective immediately, providers should discontinue use of the previous Michigan-specific Vaccine Information …

HHS and CMS Launch Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS launched the voluntary Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, encouraging hospitals to offer more nutritious, minimally processed meals …

Register for the Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council 2026 Summit

The Michigan Mental Health Diversion Council and the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice are hosting “A Decade of Progress: Advancing Diversion and Crisis Response in Michigan Counties” on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. …

Hospitals Help: Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center Advances Behavioral Healthcare in Northern Michigan

Michigan hospitals are working alongside community partners to remove barriers and ensure residents across the state have access to timely, lifesaving behavioral healthcare services. Located on the Munson Medical Center campus, the Grand Traverse Mental …

Michigan Leaders Discuss Key Healthcare Issues at Mackinac Policy Conference

Healthcare, business and state leaders joined Rich Helppie, host of The Common Bridge Podcast, May 27 at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss key healthcare issues impacting Michigan hospitals and the communities they serve. …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Affordability Starts with Quality Improvement

Every day, hospitals are working to make care safer, improve outcomes and strengthen the patient experience. Michigan hospitals’ commitment to quality improvement saves lives first and foremost, but it also helps reduce costs by preventing complications, avoiding unnecessary readmissions …

Michigan Hospitals, Always caring, always advancing.

The Keckley Report

The 6 Issues the new AHA CEO Must Address

“Incoming American Hospital Association CEO Steve Walsh inherits the powerful trade group’s future at a pivotal time for hospitals. …

In AHA’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, it vows ‘To advance the health of all individuals and communities. The AHA leads, represents and serves hospitals, health systems and other related organizations that are accountable to communities and committed to equitable care and health improvement for all.’

The task ahead for Walsh and the AHA Board is to refresh its strategy addressing the six issues above with fresh ideas, new solutions, new partners and a vision of the future that’s not constrained by its past.”

Paul Keckley, July 5, 2026

News to Know

  • The MHA Monday Report will continue on a biweekly publication schedule in July, with the next issue publishing July 27. Member alerts and MHA Newsroom articles will continue to be published as needed to keep members informed of important news and advocacy updates.
  • The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is recruiting acute care hospital intensive care units for a free, nine-month program focused on improving evidence-based practices to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia and ventilator-associated events.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner SmarterDx is hosting the Becker’s Healthcare webinar, Inside OHSU’s Prebill AI Solution: What Changed for Revenue, Quality and the CDI Teams, July 29 from noon to 1 p.m. ET.

MHA in the News

MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown joined CBS Detroit to discuss new federal student loan borrowing limits that took effect July 1, warning how they could create additional barriers for nurses pursuing advanced degrees to …

 

MDHHS Updates Immunization Documentation Process

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently changed the process for documenting immunizations and the forms that should be used. Effective immediately, providers should discontinue use of the previous Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) forms and transition to using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-issued VIS documents and the new Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) Immunization Notice Form.

What Is Changing?

Previously, providers used a Michigan-specific VIS form, which included language about MCIR reporting. Under the updated process, that information has been split into a standalone MCIR Immunization Notice Form, separate from the VIS form. Providers must now:

  • Provide the appropriate CDC VIS for every vaccine administered (instead of a Michigan-specific form).
  • Provide the MCIR Immunization Notice Form at every immunization encounter.
  • Continue documenting VIS-related requirements in the patient’s medical record.

The updated process does not eliminate existing VIS requirements. Providers must continue providing VIS documents for every vaccine administered while also supplying the MCIR Immunization Notice Form at each vaccination encounter.

The MCIR Immunization Notice Form is not the MCIR opt-out form. It is simply an acknowledgment that vaccine information will be entered into MCIR and that the patient, parent, guardian or person in loco parentis has been informed of their rights. Individuals wishing to opt out must complete the separate MCIR opt-out process.

Flexibility in How Forms Are Provided

Providers do have flexibility in how they distribute the VIS and MCIR Notice Forms. Forms may be provided:

  • On paper.
  • Electronically through a patient portal or electronic medical record.
  • Via computer or tablet display.
  • Through QR code or web-based access.
  • Using other methods consistent with office policy.

Operational Considerations

Because the new process adds an additional document to each immunization encounter, organizations should review their workflows promptly to ensure compliance and educate staff on the new process.

Implementation Expectations

MDHHS has advised providers to begin implementing the new process immediately. Michigan-specific VIS forms should be discarded and replaced with current CDC VIS materials and the MCIR Immunization Notice Form.

Members are encouraged to utilize available resources provided by MDHHS, including a dedicated webpage containing:

  • CDC VIS resources.
  • VIS translations.
  • MCIR Immunization Notice Form (English and Spanish).
  • FAQ documents.
  • Training slides and webinar recordings.

Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MDHHS Launches Michigan Psychiatric Bed Registry Dashboard

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently launched the Michigan Psychiatric Bed Registry Dashboard, a statewide tool designed to help authorized users identify available inpatient psychiatric beds and support timely placement for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

The registry provides near-real-time psychiatric bed availability data from hospitals across Michigan. It was developed by MDHHS in collaboration with the Psychiatric Bed Registry Advisory Workgroup, which included the MHA and other behavioral health stakeholders.

According to MDHHS, all hospitals with inpatient psychiatric beds have been onboarded and trained on the system and are currently reporting bed availability. Hospitals are expected to update bed availability information as close to real time as possible. Staff who have not been trained should contact MDHHS.

Access is currently limited to authorized staff from emergency departments, psychiatric facilities, Community Mental Health Service Programs and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans who are involved in the psychiatric inpatient authorization and placement process. MDHHS indicated the advisory workgroup will continue evaluating to enhance the registry.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 8, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

House Judiciary Hears Testimony on Violence Against Healthcare Workers Legislation

Legislation addressing violence against healthcare workers heard testimony in the House Judiciary Committee during the week of June 1, while other MHA-backed bills saw action in the legislature. House Bills 4532–4534, which aim to …

MDHHS Finalizes Specialty Behavioral Health Services Location Policy

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-17, effective July 1, 2026, which clarifies reimbursement requirements for specialty behavioral health services provided through Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans …

MDHHS Expands Medicaid Coverage for Pharmacist-Provided Services

The MDHHS recently issued Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-20, expanding coverage for pharmacist-provided services effective July 1, 2026, pending approval of a state plan amendment by the Centers …

MDHHS Accepting Applications for Opioid Treatment Access Internship Stipend Program

The MDHHS is accepting applications through June 15 for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Internship Program, which provides financial support to students completing unpaid internships that prepare them …

Workforce Resources and Webinar Available for Healthcare Providers

The MHA and Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare continue to support workforce strategies that improve access to care for hospitals and health systems. AMN will host a webinar, “Maximizing Every Dollar: Using AI and Data …

Michigan Hospitals Help Advance Care for Sickle Cell Patients

Michigan hospitals are committed to investing in efforts that advance the health of the patients and communities they serve every day. With grant funding from the MDHHS,  the Bronson Health Foundation, Children’s Hospital …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — A Call to Strengthen Healthcare Through Collaboration

Our nation’s healthcare system is at a crossroads. Rising costs, workforce shortages and expanding patient needs are placing unprecedented pressure on hospitals and the communities that depend on them. Accepting this strain as status quo is not an option. …

Michigan Hospitals, Always caring, always advancing.

The Keckley Report

In Healthcare: 10 Issues where States are Accelerating Policy Changes

“In the United States, laws that define how our health system operates have evolved over our 250-year history. They’re built on allopathic medical pedagogy borrowed from our European roots and evolve around clinical innovations and technologies that improve outcomes and extend life. …

Healthcare’s future in the U.S. will continue to be framed by federal policies and the political system from which its laws originate, but its transformational changes will increasingly originate in states where affordability, funding and system effectiveness issues are tackled head-on.”

Paul Keckley, May 31, 2026

News to Know

The MHA recently launched Always Caring, Always Advancing, a new multi-year, statewide public affairs campaign highlighting the powerful stories of caregivers and patients across Michigan.

MHA in the News

During the Mackinac Policy Conference MHA CEO Brian Peters sat down with leaders across the state to discuss advancing more collaborative, affordable and outcomes-driven care across Michigan. Peters joined Paula Cunningham, Michael Patrick Shields and …

MDHHS Expands Medicaid Coverage for Pharmacist-Provided Services

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently issued Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-20, expanding coverage for pharmacist-provided services effective July 1, 2026, pending approval of a state plan amendment by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The policy applies to Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild, Plan First and several additional Medicaid programs.

The policy aligns Medicaid coverage with Michigan’s expanded pharmacist scope of practice and allows qualified Medicaid-enrolled pharmacists to provide and bill for additional services, including:

  • Ordering and administering immunizations.
  • Ordering and administering certain laboratory tests such as COVID-19 and influenza.
  • Prescribing antiviral treatments based on test results.
  • Counseling on and prescribing self-administered hormonal contraceptives.

Pharmacists must meet enrollment, training and documentation requirements established by MDHHS.

According to MDHHS, the policy is intended to increase access to preventive and diagnostic services, support timely treatment of common conditions and improve access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries. Members are encouraged to review the bulletin for enrollment, billing and reimbursement requirements.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Finalizes Specialty Behavioral Health Services Location Policy

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid Policy Bulletin MMP 26-17, effective July 1, 2026, which clarifies reimbursement requirements for specialty behavioral health services provided through Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans in home, community and residential settings. The policy applies to Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan.

The final policy encourages mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services to be provided in integrated community settings, including an individual’s home, when appropriate. The bulletin also clarifies coverage requirements for substance use disorder residential treatment services, nursing facilities, child-caring institutions and children’s therapeutic group homes. For children and youth, services should be provided in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their needs.

The final policy includes several changes from the proposed policy, including:

  • New requirements related to the coordination of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services for children residing in child-caring institutions.
  • Additional clarification regarding services available to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Removal of a proposed section addressing Medicaid coverage in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs).

The MHA submitted comments requesting clarification regarding covered services in nursing facilities, IMD coverage policies and reimbursement for services provided to children in child-caring institutions. While the final bulletin provides additional clarification, it does not address all the questions raised by the MHA.

Members impacted by specialty behavioral health service delivery and reimbursement requirements are encouraged to review the bulletin.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

MDHHS Accepting Applications for Opioid Treatment Access Internship Stipend Program

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting applications through June 15 for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Internship Program, which provides financial support to students completing unpaid internships that prepare them for careers in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

Eligible students pursuing degrees in social work, professional counseling, marriage and family therapy, nursing or physician assistant studies may receive stipends of up to $20,000, depending on internship requirements. Participants must commit to providing SUD services to Michigan residents after graduation.

MDHHS has allocated $3.5 million for the program, which is funded through the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and could support up to 350 students. Additional eligibility requirements and application materials are available on the MDHHS website.

Members are encouraged to share this opportunity with eligible students and interns pursuing careers in substance use disorder treatment.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.

Michigan Hospitals Help Advance Care for Sickle Cell Patients

Hospitals Help, Member News

Michigan hospitals are committed to investing in efforts that advance the health of the patients and communities they serve every day.

With grant funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Bronson Health Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Henry Ford Health and University of Michigan are enhancing care for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

SCD is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders in Michigan. It continues to be a public health concern due to elevated rates of morbidity and mortality, disproportionately impacting African American populations. Those living with SCD often experience sudden attacks of severe pain, acute chest syndrome and various co-morbidities, including: pulmonary hypertension, stroke, gallbladder disease and organ damage.

With this in mind, the MDHHS grant program aims to help providers across the state expand access to quality, integrated care and disease-modifying therapies. It’s also designed to help improve acute care services delivered to patients living with SCD.

“The proposals selected demonstrate an understanding of the issues people living with sickle cell face in accessing the health care they need,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Each of the funded organizations are partnering with us to forward the goals of the department’s recently released SCD Strategic Plan as we work together to strengthen systems and elevate community voices.”

Michigan hospital projects are among those selected to receive approximately $80,000 to enhance or expand care for SCD. This includes:

  • Bronson Health Foundation will establish a multidisciplinary specialty clinic to improve access to quality health care and acute care services to patients living with SCD, with an emphasis on adult care.
  • Children’s Hospital of Michigan will establish a Sickle Cell Day Hospital to relocate pain management efforts from the emergency room to the SCD unit.
  • Henry Ford Health will continue to expand the transition of patients living with SCD from pediatric to adult care, as well as improve their access to other specialties and treatment management services.
  • University of Michigan (U-M) will prepare pediatric patients for transition to adult care through increasing self-management skills and knowledge of disease modifying therapies. Additionally, U-M will also work to assist in the development of a comprehensive adult sickle cell clinic to improve access to quality care and care coordination.

“This grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services helps Bronson continue strengthening sickle cell disease care across a patient’s lifespan by building closer coordination between our existing pediatric and adult care teams, improving continuity of care, and expanding access to specialized care in Southwest Michigan,” said Kirsten Bonifacio, PhD, lead pediatric psychologist at Bronson Children’s Hospital and principal investigator of the Sickle Cell Clinic Expansion and Enhancement Program.

Bonifacio continued, “Our goal is to deepen collaboration across our care team to deliver high-quality, multidisciplinary care close to home and improve outcomes for patients living with SCD.”

The grants are a key component of MDHHS’ commitment to improving care for Michigan residents living with SCD as outlined in the 2026-2030 SCD Public Health Strategic Plan. More information can be found on the MDHHS website.

Questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may be directed to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report May 4, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Senate Approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, Organ Donor Tax Credit Legislation Advances

Several healthcare-related measures, including the full Senate budget and legislation on tax credits for organ donation, saw action during the week of April 27. The Senate advanced its full budget proposal under Senate Bill …

CMS Releases FY 2027 LTCH Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system (IPPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2027. Highlights of the proposed rule …

Senate Introduces Legislation on Behavioral Health Transport Vehicles

Michigan’s behavioral health system has long faced a critical transportation gap — and the MHA is supporting efforts to close it. Last week, the legislature introduced two bills that represent a significant step forward for patients in crisis and the hospitals …

Fact Check: Drug Pricing Savings Are the Lifeline to Community Healthcare Services

Recent headlines have taken aim at the 340B Program – a federal drug savings initiative that serves as a lifeline to important community healthcare services. As a long-time cardiothoracic surgeon …

 

MDHHS Gun Lock Distribution Map Expands Access to Safe Storage

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched a new interactive Gun Lock Distribution Map to help residents locate free firearm safety devices and connect community partners with safe storage resources. The tool identifies more …

UnitedHealth to Expand Rural Payment Pilot Program

UnitedHealthcare Group announced changes to eliminate prior authorization barriers and accelerate payments for rural hospitals nationwide to improve access to care and lower costs. In January 2026, UnitedHealthcare implemented the Rural Payment Acceleration …

Rural Hospital Leaders Appointed to MHA Center of Rural Excellence Board of Trustees

Seven rural Michigan hospital leaders were recently appointed as inaugural board members to the newly established MHA Center of Rural Excellence by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Board of Trustees. These members are responsible for …

Hospitals Help: Mary Free Bed Partnership Addresses Nursing Shortage, Offers Tuition Assistance

Every hour of every day, nurses provide care Michiganders can count on. As staffing shortages continue to impact various sectors of healthcare, Michigan hospitals are focused on creative solutions to …

 

Webinar Recap: Michigan 211 Community Materials Now Available

A recent webinar hosted by the MHA explored regional trends and emerging community needs across Michigan using statewide 2‑1‑1 call data. The event explored insights on call volume, caller demographics and service requests that reflect evolving pressures on individuals …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Dashboard: Turning Safety Data into Action

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Dashboard in KeyMetrics provides member hospitals with secure access to harm reporting data sourced from Press Ganey’s NextPlane platform. Designed to support patient safety improvement …

News to KnowNew to Know

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26.

Keckley Report

Why Those Outside Healthcare Control its Future

“I study the future of the U.S. health system. The framework I use is based on monitoring trends, lag and lead indicators in five zones of unique relevance in the health industry at home and abroad.

Based on 30 years-plus years of applying this framework to my industry surveillance process, it’s clear that traditional lag indictors like enrollment, utilization, spending, workforce supply-demand et al are less useful in predicting its future. Instead, indicators from outside healthcare seem more aligned to its future than indicators from within.

Objectively, the reality is this: the players outside healthcare including Big Tech, Big Banks and Big Employers are forcing changes faster than healthcare insiders are comfortable and the health system’s future is uncertain as a result.”

Paul Keckley, April 26, 2026

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of April 27 covering behavioral health and 340B. Common Ground published a story April 28 detailing Michigan’s behavioral health landscape. Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & …

Senate Approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, Organ Donor Tax Credit Legislation Advances

Member News

Several healthcare-related measures, including the full Senate budget and legislation on tax credits for organ donation, saw action during the week of April 27. 

The Senate advanced its full budget proposal under Senate Bill (SB) 878, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). The bill contains the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget from SB 857. Key highlights of the bill include: 

  • Full funding for Medicaid. 
  • Recognition of hospital provider taxes and the ability to access those funds without additional legislative action or administrative barriers. 
  • Specialty Network Access Fee funding. 
  • Support for rural and obstetrics stabilization pools. 
  • Funding for Maternal Levels of Care verification. 

Unlike the governor’s executive recommendation and the House proposal, the Senate plan does not include unspecified Medicaid savings. Instead, it identifies funding through caseload adjustment savings, Most Favored Nation drug pricing savings and other efficiencies. The bill has now been referred to the House Appropriations Committee for further review and comparison, with the proposed House budget and the governor’s executive recommendation. The MHA will continue working with lawmakers to ensure the final product maintains support for hospitals, providers and patients. 

Further, the House Finance Committee heard testimony on SB 301. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), the MHA-supported legislation would provide a tax credit to employers whose employees take time off to serve as living organ donors. The bill awaits a vote from the committee before moving to the full House chamber. 

The House Rules Committee considered and passed HB 5281, sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford), which would put guardrails around third-party funded litigation. Currently, private equity and other investors can secretively fund litigation against hospitals and other entities. This legislation would place limitations on those investments and increase transparency in the process. The MHA-supported bill now goes to the full House for consideration. 

The House Health Policy Committee discussed HB 5709, sponsored by Rep. John Roth (R-Interlochen), which would remove certain imaging services from the Certificate of Need (CON) program. The MHA submitted a letter of opposition to the bill, which would erode Michigan’s strong CON program. The committee did not take a vote on the legislation.