Adnan Munkarah, Chair of the MHA Legislative Policy Panel leads March 13 Meeting on Zoom.
The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 13 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.
The meeting began with an update from MHA CEO Brian Peters on the MHA strategic action plan. Peters reviewed progress the association has made on key priorities, paying particular attention to those items related to advocacy and policy. Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs followed Peters to provide a federal update, covering the Change Healthcare cyberattack response and government funding.
Regarding action items, the panel made two recommendations. The first is for the MHA to support House Bills (HBs) 5184 and 5185, which would remove the examination requirement for social work licensure, remove post-degree experience for bachelor’s-level and master’s-level social workers and streamline social worker provider types. The panel also recommends the MHA support HB 4361, which would allow a living organ donor to claim a one-time, non-refundable tax credit to recognize costs associated with organ donation.
The panel received additional updates on state legislative activities regarding Medicaid funding, end-of-life care and the healthcare workforce.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.
Joni Hunter, MA, and Dorothy Zsenyuk, RN, at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Nurse Midwives pictured with MHA CEO Brian Peters and Sarah Scraton, MHA Keystone Center executive director.
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center celebrated Joni Hunter, MA, and Dorothy Zsenyuk, RN, at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Nurse Midwives Feb. 8 as Speak-up! Award recipients.
The quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.
Hunter and Zsenyuk were honored for their proactive intervention during a routine visit with an obstetrics patient managing chronic hypertension. Hunter, knowing the risks associated with hypertension and pregnancy, noticed that weekly screenings were not integrated into the patient’s medical plan.
After notifying Zsenyuk and reviewing the patient’s medical record together, the pair acted.
“Instances like this are a perfect example of why it is important to review all aspects of a patient’s experience and care, even during routine visits,” said Hunter. “I am proud to work alongside colleagues like Dorothy to ensure we are taking all precautions necessary for both the birthing person and baby.”
Zsenyuk and Hunter were able to connect with the patient’s midwife, which led to the patient receiving weekly laboratory tests and monitoring.
“Joni was an incredible advocate for our patient,” said Zsenyuk. “I am honored we were able to provide our patient and her midwife with the tools needed to make an informed decision about her care plan for the duration of her pregnancy.”
In addition to the weekly testing, the patient was referred to Maternal Fetal Medicine for a consult.
“Joni and Dorothy’s action are a direct reflection of the standards we hold ourselves to at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group,” said Cindy Elliott, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group president. “We are incredibly honored to have dedicated clinical staff like them working with our patients each and every day.”
Additional award finalists for the last quarter of 2023 include:
Amanda Frescura, University of Michigan Health-West.
Sydnie Gray, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group.
Brooke Maguire, MyMichigan Hospital Midland.
“It’s an honor to celebrate Michigan healthcare workers who are setting the standard for excellent patient care,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “We’re fortunate to have people like Joni and Dorothy who intervened and led this patient to the preventative, life-saving care they needed.”
More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.
