MHA Monday Report April 10, 2023

MHA Monday Report

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 28 through 30 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers, including …


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is set to end the federal Public Health Emergency May 11. At that time, the special privileges and exemptions Michigan extended to licensed healthcare facilities and providers …


The MHA is hosting a webinar 11 a.m. to noon April 11 to discuss the $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. …


The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to establish Medicaid reimbursement methodology for hospitals that convert to the new rural emergency hospital provider type. Critical access hospitals …


Recent media headlines declare hospitals are in reasonably good shape financially due to pandemic funding, Medicare and insurer overpayments, and price-gauging. While hospital leaders have data proving extreme financial pressures, the cumulative effect of this …


The MHA will host the in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option as well. The forum is structured as a …


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for federal fiscal year 2024. Key provisions of the proposal include: Rebasing the …


The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a capitated model of care that provides community-based care to seniors who are eligible for nursing homes. PACE is responsible for primary, acute and long-term-care …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyHas U.S. Healthcare Reached its Tipping Point?

“At a meeting with hospital system CEOs last Wednesday, one asked: “has healthcare reached the tipping point?”  I replied ‘not yet but it’s getting close.’ …

I am not a fatalist: the future for healthcare is brighter than its past, but not for everyone. Strategies predicated on protecting the past are obsolete. Strategies that consider consumers incapable of active participation in the delivery and financing of their care are archaic. Strategies that depend on unbridled consolidation and opaque pricing are naïve. And strategies that limit market access for non-traditional players are artifacts of the gilded age gone by when each sector protected its own against infidels outside. ….”

Paul Keckley, April 3, 2023


News to Know

  • Registration still open for April 13 MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.
  • The Root Cause Coalition is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City.

The MHA received media coverage the week of April 3 regarding the preparedness of hospital for another pandemic and how hospital and health system merger and acquisition activity impacts healthcare. ABC News published a story …

MHA Monday Report April 3, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingMichigan Joins Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact

Michigan officially joined the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact March 29, creating an expedited pathway to licensure for psychologists who wish to practice telemedicine services across state lines. To date, 36 states are authorized to join …


Student Debt Relief Offered to Behavioral Health Providers

The MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program will offer educational loan repayment for eligible behavioral health medical providers in Michigan. The program is available to behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists, …


Governance Webinar Series Outlines Trends and Advocacy Tactics

Board members must understand the issues tied directly to hospital and health system planning and performance, identify opportunities for improvement and support the leadership in advocating for mission-driven, patient-centered policies with key stakeholders. The MHA …


Required Occupational Survey Due June 30

Completed 2022 occupational mix surveys must be submitted by hospitals to the Medicare Administrative Contractor by June 30, 2023. Hospitals are required to complete the survey every three years, with results from the 2022 survey …


MHA Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEOMHA CEO Report — A Healthy Michigan is an Insured Michigan

The United States celebrated last month the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act. Simply put, when then-President Obama signed the legislation March 23, 2010, it was one of the most monumental healthcare policy changes in our lifetime. …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyNot for Profit Health Systems are Soft Targets: Here’s Why

“There are no easy answers for not-for-profit hospitals/heath systems. The issue is about more than messaging and PR. It’s about more than Medicare reimbursement (7.5% below cost), protecting programs like 340B, keeping tax exemptions and maintaining barriers against physician-owned hospitals. The issue is NOT about operating income vs. investment income: in every business, both are essential and in each, economic cycles impact gains/losses. Each of these is important but only band-aids on an open wound in U.S. healthcare.

Near-term (the next 2 years), opportunities for not-for-profit hospitals involve administrative simplification to reduce costs and improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of the workforce. Clinical documentation using ChatGPT/Bard-like tools can have a massive positive impact—that’s just a start. Advocacy, public education and Board preparedness require bigger investments of time and resources. But that’s true for every hospital, regardless of ownership. These are table stakes to stay afloat. …”

Paul Keckley, March 27, 2023


News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.
  • The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services.
  • The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well.
  • The Root Cause Coalition is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City.

News to Know – April 3, 2023

  • Registration is open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference. The all-day event will take place April 13 at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. The free event will provide participants hands-on learning about how safe, early and continuous mobility can help achieve better patient outcomes. Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center.
  • The MHA is issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The grant program will issue funds to entities across the state of Michigan for either the expansion of existing programs or development of new ones. Copies of the grant RFP materials and the online application are also available on the MHA Behavioral Health webpage. Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.
  • The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well. The forum is structured as a round table with human resources and MHA leaders moderating a discussion among attendees around the Great Resignation of the healthcare workforce and ideas and solutions to combat workforce challenges. Members with questions about membership or registration should contact Brenda Carr at the MHA.
  • The Root Cause Coalition (TRCC) is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City. Proposals are being accepted for breakout sessions and poster presentations. Organizations with proven, measurable solutions that address health equity and collectively chart an intentional, meaningful and measurable path for progress are encouraged to submit. Members with questions can contact Lori Bennett at the TRCC.

MHA Monday Report March 27, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingMHA-supported Bills See Action Before Break

The Michigan House of Representatives acted on a pair of MHA-supported bills during the week of March 20. In the House Health Policy Committee, members voted to report legislation to strengthen Michigan’s Healthy Michigan statute. …


Speakers of the Protect Our Care press conference.MHA Celebrates ACA Anniversary with Congresswoman Slotkin

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel joined U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and other healthcare advocates March 23 as part of a virtual press conference organized by Protect Our Care to celebrate the 13th anniversary of …


As individuals and families across the state and country continue to face food insecurity, Michigan’s hospitals, health systems and community leaders are engaged in creating collaborative solutions. MHA CEO Brian Peters joined fellow food security …

Expanding Advocacy Roots with the Next Generation

The MHA collaborated with Wayne State University for the first-ever student-led advocacy day March 22. Science Policy Network-Detroit is a student organization at Wayne State that aims to advocate for science-related issues in …


March 30 Webinar Outlines Considerations for the End of the Public Health Emergency

The Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 public health emergency expires May 11, 2023, which may significantly decrease the flexibility providers have become accustomed to. The MHA will host The End of the …


Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination Webinar Recording Available

The Michigan Medicaid program has grown to nearly 3.2 million Michiganders, an increase of more than 700,000 when compared to pre-pandemic levels, due to federal statutory limitations on states’ abilities to remove people from the …


MHA Webinar Explores PACE Program Partnerships

With the closure of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, hospitals and health systems need options to care for seniors. Dually eligible frail seniors are one of the most complex cohorts with multiple co-morbidities, frequent …


Applications Open for Excellence in Governance Fellowship, Prepares Trustees to Lead

The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is now available to healthcare board members looking for innovative, effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. Applications are …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyAffordable Care Act 2.0: New Trends and Issues, New Urgency

“Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act– perhaps the most consequential healthcare legislation since LBJ’s passage of the Medicare Act in 1965. Except in healthcare circles, it will probably go unnoticed. …

Complicating matters, the political environment today is more complicated than in 2010 when the ACA became law. The economic environment is more challenging: the pandemic, inflation and economic downturn have taken their toll. Intramural tensions in key sectors have spiked as each fights for control and autonomy i.e. primary care vs. specialty medicine, investor-owned vs. not-for-profit hospitals, retail medicine & virtual vs. office-based services, carve-outs, direct contracting et al . Consolidation has widened capabilities and resources distancing big organizations from others. Today’s media attention to healthcare is more sophisticated. Employers are more frustrated. And the public’s confidence in the health system is at an all-time low. …“

Paul Keckley, March 19, 2023


News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.
  • The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services.
  • The MHA Health Foundation will host a four-part webinar series MHA Board Governance Education that outlines the trends affecting current and future strategic plans, techniques for effectively communicating with stakeholders on key issues and ways to build trust, drive engagement and develop relationships.
  • The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forumat the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well.
  • The Root Cause Coalition is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City.

News to Know – March 27, 2023

  • Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference. The all-day event will take place April 13 at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. The free event will provide participants hands-on learning about how safe, early and continuous mobility can help achieve better patient outcomes. Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center.
  • The MHA is issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The grant program will issue funds to entities across the state of Michigan for either the expansion of existing programs or development of new ones. Copies of the grant RFP materials and the online application are also available on the MHA Behavioral Health webpage. Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.
  • The MHA Health Foundation will host a four-part webinar series MHA Board Governance Education that outlines the trends affecting current and future strategic plans, techniques for effectively communicating with stakeholders on key issues and ways to build trust, drive engagement and develop relationships. The webinars are scheduled for April 19, May 9 and May 23 from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Members with questions about registration should contact Erica Leyko at MHA.
  • The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well. The forum is structured as a round table with human resources and MHA leaders moderating a discussion among attendees around the Great Resignation of the healthcare workforce and ideas and solutions to combat workforce challenges. Members with questions about membership or registration should contact Brenda Carr at the MHA.
  • The Root Cause Coalition (TRCC) is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City. Proposals are being accepted for breakout sessions and poster presentations. Organizations with proven, measurable solutions that address health equity and collectively chart an intentional, meaningful and measurable path for progress are encouraged to submit. Members with questions can contact Lori Bennett at the TRCC.

MHA Monday Report March 20, 2023

MHA Monday Report

State Medicaid Office Addresses Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened March 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on Medicaid redetermination from Brian …


MHA Provides Testimony Supporting State Psychiatric Care and Healthy Michigan Plan

During the week of March 13, the MHA provided testimony to both the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and the House Health Policy Committee. Laura Appel, executive vice president of Government …


RFP Available for Pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Grant

The MHA is issuing a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by the …


MHA Keystone Center PSO Annual Meeting May 3

The healthcare workforce is at higher risk of harm due to violence than other professional fields.  Recent increases in workplace violence represent a major barrier to both staff and patient safety, prompting the need for …


Registration Open for MHA Human Resources Member Forum

The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well. The forum is structured as …


Changes to Medicaid Dental Coverage Effective April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will implement a new service delivery model for adult dental benefits effective April 1, 2023. The following groups will be eligible: Medicaid beneficiaries ages 21 years and …


Changes to Telemedicine Policy Post-COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will rescind certain COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities beginning May 12, 2023, with the conclusion of the federal health public health emergency. Policy MMP 23-10 outlines flexibilities that …


Michigan Dispensing Law Changes

Michigan state law will be updated beginning March 29, 2023, to allow pharmacists to dispense a non-controlled prescription written by a prescriber licensed in another state or province of Canada. Public Act 80 of 2022 …


Latest AHA Trustee Insights Covers Board Development and Behavioral Health

One of the strongest predictors of health system performance is the quality of governance that shapes its response in an unstable environment. The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Biden Budget: Key Signals to Voters and an Important Implications for the Health Industry

“Last Thursday, the Biden administration released its proposed FY24 federal budget which is certain to spark political posturing by partisans on all sides and long-term speculation by political pundits and economists. At a high level, it includes… …

In total, healthcare spending represents 30% of the total outflow of federal funds in this budget compared to 29% in ’22 (Medicare 12%, Veteran’s Health 2% and Other Line Items 15%)—almost 50% more than Social Security and more than 100% above defense spending. …”

Paul Keckley, March 12, 2023


News to Know


MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 13 regarding conversations around workforce funding and current challenges amid the third anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.

News to Know – March 20, 2023

MHA Monday Report March 13, 2023

MHA Monday Report

Supplemental Signed into Law, MHA Provides Additional Testimony

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a supplemental appropriation bill on March 8 that includes $75 million for hospital recruitment, retention and training of healthcare workers. The funding was included as a part of House Bill 4016 …


MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Nurse Receives Q1 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center presented Laura Smith, RN at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, which celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention …


Webinar Outlines Considerations for the End of the Public Health Emergency

The Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 public health emergency expires May 11, 2023, which may significantly decrease the flexibility providers have become accustomed to. The MHA will host The End of the …


MDHHS Candida auris Patient Transfer Recommendations

Candida auris cases have been reported in multiple healthcare facilities in Michigan, including acute care hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Auris is a yeast pathogen that can cause serious …


MHA Podcast Covers Patient Safety Awareness Week feat. The MHA Keystone Center

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. On episode 27, Adam Novak, …


Resources, Webinars Available for Navigating Medicaid Eligibility Changes

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a final policy bulletin informing providers that Medicaid eligibility redeterminations will resume in June 2023 for the first time since early 2020, with some …


Applications Open for Excellence in Governance Fellowship, Prepares Trustees to Lead

The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is now available to healthcare board members looking for innovative, effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. Applications are …


Governance Webinar Series Helps Trustees Advocate on Important Issues

Every board member must have a common understanding of critical issues, the implications for the hospital or health system and how to share the impact with government and community leaders. Without support, it is difficult …


Deadline Approaching for Early Sponsorship Commitment

The deadline to be featured as a sponsor of the MHA Annual Membership Meeting brochure, which is shared with hospital and health system CEOs, is March 17. The MHA’s sponsors are vital to helping conference …


News to Know

Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.


Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 6 regarding Gov. Whitmer signing House Bill 4016, which will appropriate $75 million for the recruitment, retention and training of hospitals workers. Below is a collection …

News to Know – March 13, 2023

Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference. The all-day event will take place April 13 at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. The free event will provide participants with a better understanding of how caregiver and patient safety are connected. Attendees will also learn how safe, early and continuous mobility can help achieve better patient outcomes in less time with fewer staff. Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Podcast Covers Patient Safety Awareness Week feat. The MHA Keystone Center

MI care matters
Adam Novak
Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center.

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

On episode 27, Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center, joins during Patient Safety Awareness Week to provide a refresh on the work of the patient safety organization (PSO) along with resources that are available to Michigan hospitals and health systems through the Keystone Center.

In the episode, Novak shares details of the upcoming Keystone Center Safe Patient Mobility and Handling Conference, a free event on April 13 that will provide participants with a better understanding of how caregiver and patient safety are connected. As he shares, participants will view live simulations demonstrating best practices for patient handling and discuss how to avoid care activities that cause caregiver injury and compromise quality of care. Risk and safety officers, physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and worker’s compensation staff are encouraged to register.

The episode is available to stream on SpotifyYouTubeApple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

The MiCare Champion Cast is part of the statewide #MiCareMatters campaign, launched in 2017, which aims to build a network of citizens — “MiCare Champions” — who will be called upon to engage in advocacy efforts to protect access to affordable healthcare services in Michigan.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.