News to Know – May 19, 2025

New to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions, will host the free webinar Workforce Wellness: Effective Approaches to Foster Well-being and Retention in Healthcare from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 19. This webinar features Patti Artley, chief nursing officer & chief clinical officer at Medical Solutions sharing actionable insights to empower your team and strengthen your organization. Discover innovative strategies to reduce burnout, promote well-being and enhance retention across healthcare teams. Learn how fostering a supportive environment and maximizing staff potential can drive job satisfaction and improve patient care. To learn more, visit the Medical Solutions page or contact Tony Lehman, enterprise executive at Medical Solutions.

News to Know – May 12, 2025

New to Know
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Vault Verify, is offering a free webinar People, Process and Protection: Rethinking HR Data Strategy hosted by the Massachusetts Hospital Association from 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET May 13. Join this webinar to explore simple strategies for optimizing HR processes and effectively reducing risks in employee data management. Topics include an overview of the Vault EDGe Gateway and how it improves HR technology/vendor processes, as well as a case study from the University of Michigan. To learn more, visit the Vault Verifypage or contact Donny Phillips, director of partnerships at Vault Verify. In addition, the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program partners with Vault Verify to enhance operational efficiency.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions, will host the free webinar Workforce Wellness: Effective Approaches to Foster Well-being and Retention in Healthcare from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 19. This webinar features Patti Artley, chief nursing officer & chief clinical officer at Medical Solutions sharing actionable insights to empower your team and strengthen your organization. Discover innovative strategies to reduce burnout, promote well-being and enhance retention across healthcare teams. Learn how fostering a supportive environment and maximizing staff potential can drive job satisfaction and improve patient care. To learn more, visit the Medical Solutions page or contact Tony Lehman, enterprise executive at Medical Solutions.

 

Workforce Webinars Available for MHA Members

The MHA is pleased to announce a series of upcoming free webinars addressing healthcare workforce issues that leverage the expertise of MHA Endorsed Business Partners (EBPs) to provide guidance and thought leadership for members.

  • Registration is open for a webinar from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET Jan. 29 to review Employee Data Stewardship for Healthcare HR. Hear from Brad Kelso, managing partner/co-founder of Privageo, and Donny Phillips, director of partnerships at Vault Verify, as they provide an overview of the U.S. data security landscape and the measures your HR team should consider to maintain appropriate employee data stewardship. In addition, the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program partnered with Vault Verify starting in 2024 to enhance operational efficiency.
  • The MHA will host a Michigan Workforce Webinar 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET Feb. 6 with experts from Salary.com to provide an open forum discussing the most pressing workforce needs including recruitment and retention of permanent employees. Topics include:
    • Healthcare HR landscape and worker burnout.
    • Best practices for benchmarking jobs and the importance of hybrid market pricings.
    • Compensation data sources and how to integrate into compensation strategy.
    • Discussion on the most searched job titles and the impact to hospitals.
  • Join the exclusive webinar Leading with Purpose: Strategies for Building a Retention-Driven Culture from 1 – 2 p.m. ET Feb. 10. Rich Thompson, chief human resources officer at Medical Solutions, will share strategic insights on building a workplace that empowers healthcare professionals and supports long-term commitment. Drawing on the 5 Cs – Courage, Connection, Communication, Coaching and Consistency – Rich will outline actionable strategies for developing a culture where clinicians can thrive.

Members with questions about the EBP program may contact Rob Wood, senior director of partnerships at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Nov. 18, 2024

Advocacy image tileWorkforce Bills Highlight Healthcare Legislation Advanced in the State Legislature

Several workforce bills highlighted the healthcare legislation that advanced in the state legislature during the week of Nov. 11. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senate Bills (SBs) 406 and 407, led by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). The bills provide …


MHA Board of Trustees Considers Election Impact and Association Priorities

The MHA Board of Trustees began its Nov. 13 meeting with a review of the results from the federal election and its potential impact on key association priorities, led by Carlos Jackson and Mike Goodman with Washington D.C.-based Cornerstone Government …


CMS Releases 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a issued a final rule to update the physician fee schedule payment system effective Jan. 1, 2025. The rule will: Reduce the PFS conversion …


MDHHS Shares 2022 Maternal and Infant Health Statistics

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Section recently led a webinar on 2022 maternal and infant health statistics for the state. Infant mortality refers to the death …


Enrollment Open for 2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy

The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program in February and April 2025, with sessions at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two power-packed …


Medical SolutionsBuilding a Culture of Retention

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions recently released an episode of their “Staffing Unplugged” podcast, featuring Chief Human Resources Officer Rich Thompson sharing insights on the critical role of culture in healthcare staffing. He …


Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Post-Merger Board Restructuring

The November edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), includes CEO insights about the integration of two major health systems which resulted in stronger governance. The article explains the …


What’s Top of Mind in Rural Healthcare?

Peter Marinoff, president and CEO, Munson Healthcare’s Southern Region and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair

The following article was written by Peter Marinoff, president and CEO, Munson Healthcare’s Southern Region and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair. National Rural Health Day celebrates the remarkable efforts of hospitals, healthcare teams, …


Keckley Report

The Four Core Pillars of Trump Healthcare 2.0

“While speculation swirls around key cabinet appointments in the incoming Trump administration, much is being written about how things might change for industries and the companies that compose them. Healthcare is no exception.

Speculation about possible changes originates from media coverage, healthcare trade associations, law firms, consultancies, think tanks and academics. Their views are primarily based on Trump Healthcare 1.0 initiatives (2017-2021), presumed Trump 2.0 leverage in the U.S. Senate, House and conservative Supreme Court and a belief by the Trump-team leaders that their mandate is to lower costs for “everyday Americans” and tighten border security.

Thus, Trump Healthcare 2.0 policy changes will be extensive, leveraging legislation, executive orders, agency administrative actions, court decisions and appropriations processes to reset the U.S. health system.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 11, 2024


News to Know

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the 2025 Medicare Part A and B Premiums and Deductibles, with details available in the CMS Fact Sheet.
  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has increased reimbursement rates for Behavioral Health Treatment – Applied Behavior Analysis services to improve autism treatment access for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Building a Culture of Retention

Medical Solutions

Medical SolutionsMHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Medical Solutions recently released an episode of their “Staffing Unplugged” podcast, featuring Chief Human Resources Officer Rich Thompson sharing insights on the critical role of culture in healthcare staffing. He emphasized that for hospital leaders facing ongoing staffing shortages and turnover, building a strong organizational culture is essential for retaining talent and maintaining a high standard of care.

“Culture is identity; it’s the personification of a company,” said Thompson. He highlights that culture defines an organization’s identity and drives employee engagement and performance. He explained that it’s not enough for leaders to talk about culture; they must live it, showing their teams that they are fully invested in building an environment where everyone can thrive.

In healthcare, where burnout is common, a well-defined culture can foster stronger connections between staff and their roles, leadership, team and organization. These connections help employees feel valued and supported, ultimately reducing turnover.

Prioritizing culture improves retention and ensures that hospitals are better equipped to adapt to staffing challenges. By actively shaping culture, leaders can create a work environment where healthcare professionals feel empowered, leading to better patient outcomes and long-term success.

To dive deeper into the conversation, members are encouraged to watch the episode or contact Medical Solutions for more information. Members seeking information about the MHA’s EBP program may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

Rethinking Onboarding: A Crucial Step Towards Employee Success

MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Medical Solutions recently published a blog post sharing steps for evaluating an organization’s onboarding process.

The onboarding process is pivotal for new employees, demanding a dynamic approach in a rapidly evolving work landscape. Companies must regularly reassess and adapt their strategies to ensure success. Here are three simple steps to keep in mind when evaluating onboarding processes.

  1. Acknowledge the impact of technological advancements and changing workplace paradigms. Regularly reassessing the onboarding process allows organizations to stay agile and align with these changes. Adapt to regulatory, technological and organizational shifts for relevance and effectiveness.
  2. Compliance is foundational. Organizations should consistently review and update compliance items such as employee handbooks and codes of conduct. Proactive reassessment demonstrates commitment to a compliant and ethical workplace culture.
  3. The onboarding journey often involves various tasks, some of which may become redundant. Identify and remove inefficiencies in tasks and training modules. Leverage technology to automate repetitive tasks and provide personalized onboarding experiences.

Beyond compliance, a well-designed onboarding fosters engagement and connection. Align onboarding with current organizational culture to enhance retention and job satisfaction. Rethinking onboarding is not optional; it’s essential for sustained success and a cohesive workforce.

Members with questions may contact Tony Lehman at Medical Solutions.

MHA Monday Report April 26, 2024

MHA Member Testifies on Healthcare Legislation, Staffing Agency Bill Introduced

Hills and Dales Hospital President and CEO Andrew Daniels testified April 25 in the House Health Policy Committee on legislation removing timelines on disposal of sharps containers. Senate Bill 482, which was initiated by …


MDHHS Announces $10 Million Maternal Health Reimbursement Opportunity

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced April 22 its intention to reimburse Michigan birthing hospitals for committing to participate in The Joint Commission Maternal Levels of Care Verification Program and …


CMS Seeks Comments on Proposed Transforming Episode Accountability Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) included a proposal to create a new mandatory alternative payment model, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model, in the fiscal year 2025 hospital inpatient prospective payment system …


LEO Launches Second Round of Going Pro Talent Fund Grants

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunities (LEO) recently opened the second round of Going Pro Talent Fund grants, which will distribute a portion of the $11 million remaining from the first round of …


MHA EventsFinal Reminder: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

It is not too late to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Members are encouraged to …


Requests for Information Required for SLCGP Grant

The Michigan Cybersecurity Planning Committee is requesting additional information from applicants who previously expressed an interest in participating in the Fiscal Year 2022 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Funds (SLCGP). This program aims to …


CMS Releases FY 2025 LTCH PPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year 2025. Specifically, the rule proposes: …


The Keckley Report

Hospitals declare War on Corporate Insurance: Handicapping the Players

“At the Annual Meeting of the American Hospital Association in DC last week, its all-out attack on “corporate insurance” was a prominent theme. In the meeting recap, AHA CEO Rick Pollack made the influential organization’s case:

“This year, there was special focus on educating policymakers that our health care system is suffering from multiple chronic conditions. These include continued government underpayment, cyberattacks, workforce shortages, broken supply chains, access to behavioral health, and irresponsible behavior by corporate commercial health insurance companies, among others — that put access to services in serious jeopardy.” …

This war has been simmering. It’s now a blaze. The outcome is uncertain despite the considerable resources both will spend to win.”

Paul Keckley, April 22, 2024


News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions is hosting a free webinar Empowering Rural Care: Dynamic Staffing Solutions and Retention Methods from noon – 1 p.m. ET May 8 with special guest, Patti Artley, chief nursing officer at Medical Solutions.

 

News to Know – April 29, 2024

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions is hosting a free webinar Empowering Rural Care: Dynamic Staffing Solutions and Retention Methods from noon – 1 p.m. ET May 8 with special guest, Patti Artley, chief nursing officer at Medical Solutions. In a world grappling with workforce shortages, rural healthcare facilities face a distinct set of challenges. Acknowledging that staffing solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, Artley will explore the intricacies of recruiting and retaining talent in rural settings. Members are encouraged to register to discover how to overcome unique hurdles in an era where demand for healthcare professionals is at an all-time high. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.