Tag: MHA Keystone Center

News to Know – March 3, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowRegistration is open for the 2025 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing. The event, which is valid for 5.25 PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®, offers attendees an opportunity to expand their networks, share ideas and collaborate with fellow industry experts. Registration is $195 per person. Members with questions about registration may contact Brenda Carr at the MHA. Questions regarding the conference should be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • Registration is open for the highly anticipated re-designed MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29 at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. The symposium is designed for clinical teams across the continuum of care, quality and safety professionals, healthcare executives and business leaders, and person and family advocates. For more information on the symposium, members may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 24, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Earned Sick Time Act Officially Enacted

The Michigan Legislature held a late-night session Feb. 20 that ultimately led to amending the Earned Sick Time Act set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 21. Multiple amendments were made to …

Senate Introduces 340B Hospital Protections; MHA Testifies on IMLC

The Senate introduced MHA-driven legislation protecting the 340B program and the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) legislation during the week of Feb. 17. The Senate introduced Senate …

Virtual Training Offered Feb. 26 for FY 2022 Medicaid DSH Audit

Myers and Stauffer LC, Michigan’s contractor for the federally mandated Medicaid disproportionate share hospitals (DSH) audits, encourages hospital staff to register and participate in the upcoming Michigan-specific virtual training at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26. MHA …

A Healthier Future Starts with the Heart

American Heart Month serves as a significant health observance, which shines a light on the critical work Michigan hospitals are doing to improve heart health and patient safety. As Chief Medical Officer at the MHA, it is my honor to speak with …

Keckley Report

Will the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare Design a Fix?

“If the passage of the Affordable Care Act was a tipping point for healthcare in 2010, the election result in 2024 is no less. In response, AHA is leaning into its Coalition to Strengthen America’s Health Care (CSAH) for help with advertising and advocacy.

CSAH was created by AHA, the Catholic Health Association, Federation of American Hospitals and others “to strengthen Americans’ access to 24/7 care.” Its Honor Roll includes most state hospital associations, all major national associations and several suppliers. Its priorities are “Defending Medicare, Funding Rural Health, Protecting Access to Care, Supporting the Workforce, and Protect Medicaid for American Families.” Perhaps a sixth within its reach could be added:” Fix the Health System” recognizing for some that’s a bridge too far. …

Whether the Coalition to Strengthen America’s Healthcare is inclined to be the facilitator that designs a fix is also unclear: its primary focus today is protecting hospitals. While understandable, it’s regrettable since the vast majority of hospitals view stewardship and the greater good as their calling and recognize the need for a systemic fix.

But what’s clear is that a fix is urgently needed to address affordability, accessibility and effectiveness systematically before it’s too late.”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 17, 2025

News to Know

In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.

MHA in the News

The Detroit News published an op-ed Feb. 19 from MHA CEO Brian Peters expressing the importance of protecting the Medicaid program from any potential federal funding cuts. Peters highlighted the high number of people supported …

MHA Monday Report Feb. 17, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Earned Sick Time Act & Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Advance in Senate

Two key pieces of legislation related to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact advanced in the Michigan State during the week of Feb. 10. The Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee narrowly voted Feb. 12 to move …

MDHHS SUD Mapping Tool Added to MI Bridges

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced a new substance use disorder (SUD) mapping tool in 2024. The tool is now featured on MI Bridges, a platform that allows Michigan residents to …

Registration Now Open for Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium

MHA Events

Registration is now open for the highly anticipated re-designed MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 – 29, 2025 at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. Keynote speaker, Gerald B. Hickson, MD, will explore building …

Accommodations Deadline Approaching for MHA Human Resources Conference

MHA Events

The Feb. 21 accommodations deadline is approaching for the highly anticipated 2025 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing. After a day of networking and peer-to-peer collaboration, attendees will hear …

Healthcare Finance Trends for 2025

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CommerceHealthcare® recently released its 2025 Healthcare Trends Report, a comprehensive analysis of critical themes shaping the healthcare industry. This in-depth report was developed in collaboration with business line leaders, customers and …

Keckley Report

Healthcare is a Prime Target for DOGE: How to Prepare

“Last week, the reality of change in the U.S. political landscape became real, especially for the health industry. …

The Trump-Musk predisposition toward the U.S. health system is negative: it is viewed as wasteful, self-serving and ripe for Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts and disruption. It favors private solutions over public programs, and relishes favorable attention and punishing critics. And it shares its views of the health system with the majority of Americans:

Per Jarrard’s’ The State of Play: Healthcare in 2025 released last week, the public is not a fan of the system despite its penchant for calling itself “the world’s best.” In its survey of 1000 adults, 57% believe the system needs complete/significant re-design vs. 10% who think it’s OK as is and 34% who think minor improvements might be useful.

And per Gallup’s post-election poll in December, the public’s discontent is rooted in one issue: affordability. It’s a particularly thorny for hospitals, drug companies, insurers, physicians and other insiders who acknowledge the issue but rank it among others.

The impact of the Trump-Musk predisposition toward U.S. healthcare and its actions 20 days into its oversight is widespread uncertainty. …”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 10, 2025

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth and the American Hospital Association will host the webinar Strategies to Strengthen Hospital Financial Health Amid Payer Pressures 2 p.m. ET Feb. 20 to share proven strategies and real world insights into combating payer denial tactics and how to protect hospitals.
  • In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.
  • MHA offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of President’s Day.

Registration Now Open for Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium

Member News

Registration is now open for the highly anticipated re-designed MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 – 29, 2025 at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.

Keynote speaker, Gerald B. Hickson, MD, will explore building and sustaining systems that support a commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care while modeling respect for patients and coworkers, with established safety practices. As the current chair of the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI), Hickson will also provide an update on IHI initiatives in which attendees can be involved.

The symposium is designed for clinical teams across the continuum of care, quality and safety professionals, healthcare executives and business leaders, and person and family advocates.

An overnight room rate of $144 for hotel guest rooms has been secured for the MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium attendees (rooms subject to state and local taxes). Room reservations can be made by contacting the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center directly at 800-875-5090. Mention the MHA to receive the discounted rate. Reservations may also be made online with a group access code 2504MIHEAL. After the cut-off date of March 27, room reservations and rates will be confirmed based on availability.

For more information on the symposium, members may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA. Questions about registration should be directed to Janice Jones at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 10, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

IMLC Moves Through Committee & Executive Budget Recommendation Presented

Several noteworthy healthcare issues saw attention the week of Feb. 3 by state lawmakers and policymakers, including the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) moving through the Senate Health Policy Committee, a reintroduction of the Momnibus …

The Joint Commission President and CEO Addresses MHA Board

The MHA Board of Trustees welcomed The Joint Commission President and CEO Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, PhD to its Feb. 3 meeting. In his guest presentation, Dr. Perlin shared The Joint Commission’s mission to work …

Workforce Support and Growth Addressed by MHASC Board and HR Council

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused its Feb. 5 meeting on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support, protecting access, mental and behavioral health, creating healthy communities, strengthening cybercrime/cybersecurity policy …

speak upCorewell Health Trenton Hospital Nurse Honored with Q4 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center celebrates Courtney Baumann, RN at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for February. The Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or …

MHA Keystone Center Launches Infection Control Quality Improvement Cohort

The MHA Keystone Center is launching an infection control quality improvement cohort, providing high-touch technical assistance to ten long-term care facilities. The Strengthening Long-term Care Infection Prevention and Control Practices to Address Emerging Pathogens …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — The Realities of the Earned Sick Time Act

Healthcare continues to be the leading private-sector employer in Michigan. Our latest Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report shows healthcare provided nearly 572,000 direct jobs in Michigan in 2022, with roughly 217,000 of those jobs in hospitals. …

Keckley Report

Is health insurance reform the key to affordability and lower costs?

“For most Americans, having health insurance is still considered a hedge against unexpected or otherwise unaffordable medical bills.

For most elected officials in Congress and state legislatures, Medicare and Medicaid are insurance programs that consume a large and growing piece of public funding, squeezing out other areas of need.

For virtually all hospitals, physicians, ancillary and long-term care providers, insurance is still the unwelcome front door through which all must go to get paid but their administrative hassles and low reimbursement rates are ruining the system for everyone.

And large majorities in each of these groups are unhappy with insurers for a myriad of reasons well-documented in trade publications and polling. …

The blame and shame game to which insiders in healthcare are addicted is a zero-sum game: blaming any single sector for the cumulative deficiencies in affordability and costs is misleading and does not serve the greater good.

Is health insurance reform the key to health system affordability and lower costs? It plays a role but not alone.”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 3, 2025

News to Know

In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

A MHA media statement published Feb. 5 was included in stories by Michigan news outlets covering the fiscal year 2026 executive budget recommendation. The statement, attributed to MHA CEO Brian Peters, was mentioned by WLNS-TV …

Corewell Health Trenton Hospital Nurse Honored with Q4 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality
speak up
Q4 Speak-up! Award recipient Courtney Baumann, RN at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital pictured with Lamont Yoder, president, Corewell Health East, Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, MHA, and Gary L. Roth, DO, chief medical officer, MHA.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center celebrates Courtney Baumann, RN at Corewell Health Trenton Hospital, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for February.

The Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to preventing harm to patients or staff. Baumann was recognized for her commitment to patient safety by advocating for a patient whose discharge posed potential health risks.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and to know this represents a positive outcome for one of my patients,” said Baumann. “We are empowered at Corewell Trenton to advocate for our patients, regardless of role. I’m grateful to be part of a team and organization that instills this confidence in all healthcare workers.”

Shortly before a patient was scheduled for discharge, Courtney identified concerning changes in the patient’s condition. Courtney’s intervention ensured the patient received the necessary care and reinforced the importance of speaking up in critical situations.

“Courtney’s dedication made all the difference and highlights the importance of speaking up for patient safety,” said Kristine Donahue, RN, president, Corewell Health Hospitals, Taylor, Trenton and Wayne. “Her ability to recognize a concern and take the necessary steps to address it embodies the strong patient-first culture we uphold at Corewell Health.”

Additional finalists for the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 program year included:

  • Spencer Smith, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
  • Thomas Warner, McLaren Greater Lansing
  • Beronica Bahoura, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital

“We are proud to recognize dedicated healthcare professionals like Courtney, whose advocacy and commitment to patient safety make a meaningful impact,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “Her quick thinking and willingness to speak up exemplify the highest standards of care and reflect Corewell Health’s dedication to fostering a strong culture of safety in Michigan hospitals.”

More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online.

MHA Keystone Center Launches Infection Control Quality Improvement Cohort

Member News

The MHA Keystone Center is launching an infection control quality improvement cohort, providing high-touch technical assistance to ten long-term care (LTC) facilities. The Strengthening Long-term Care Infection Prevention and Control Practices to Address Emerging Pathogens project aims to enhance infection prevention strategies, equipping LTC facilities to effectively manage Candida auris (C. auris) and other emerging pathogens.

The MHA Keystone Center will enroll 10 LTC facilities in the cohort and engage with their frontline staff to increase knowledge and understanding of infection prevention and control best practices. Each participating LTC will have an on-site infection control assessment response visit and on-site and remote technical assistance.

Since its first identified case in 2021, C. auris has rapidly spread across Michigan. As of Feb. 3, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported 1,390 confirmed cases of C. auris detected across 12 Michigan counties, heavily concentrated in Southeast Michigan.

C. auris is a highly resistant yeast that spreads easily among patients in healthcare facilities and causes infections ranging from superficial skin infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections. Many LTC facilities have expressed concern about caring for residents infected or colonized with C. auris. This project aims to increase facility comfort and confidence in admitting and caring for residents on enhanced barrier precautions, particularly C. auris.

Members interested in enrolling in the cohort or have questions about the program can contact Kristy Shafer at the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Webinar to Review 2025 MI-AIM Eligibility Requirements

Member News

The MHA will host an informational webinar at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 to review 2025 eligibility requirements for hospital birthing units to receive maternal health quality payments through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The funding is geared to members that are fully participating in the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI-AIM) collaborative and have committed to participating in The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care Verification Program.

The webinar will provide time to answer questions and outline ongoing technical support being provided by the MHA Keystone Center. All birthing hospitals interested in pursuing the 2025 state funding opportunity are encouraged to register.

Additional information can also be found on the MHA’s Maternal Levels of Care webpage.

Members with questions may contact MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Monday Report Dec. 23, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

MHA Prevents Staffing Ratios and Medical Liability Changes

The MHA defeated legislation that would have established government-mandated nurse staffing ratios and legislation that would have made detrimental revisions to Michigan’s strong medical liability laws during the week of Dec. 16. The MHA opposed …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Features Hospital Quality and Safety Improvements

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing the safety and quality of care alongside Michigan hospitals. The report showcases MHA Keystone Center-led patient and workforce …

speak upUniversity of Michigan Health-Sparrow Police Authority Officer Honored with Q3 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center has recognized Ronald Patterson, a police authority officer at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient for December. The Speak-up! …

Obtaining Beyfortus Through the VFC Program

Through an ongoing partnership with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan birthing hospitals are reminded to enroll as a Vaccine for Children (VFC) Specialty Provider in order to administer the respiratory …

Superior Health Quality Alliance Report Highlights Improvements in Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

The Superior Health Quality Alliance – a coalition of eight Midwest healthcare quality improvement organizations including the MHA Keystone Center – recently released a report detailing its work over the past five years as the …

MHA Offers Webinar on Creating Peer Recovery Coach Programs

The MHA will host the webinar Building Effective Peer Recovery Coach Programs in Hospitals Feb. 12 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. to help hospitals create hospital-based peer recovery coach programs, providing background information and …

Keckley Report

Health System Transformation: The Mandate is Clear but Insider Pushback is Strong

“The murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson (aka BT) December 4 and prosecution of his alleged killer Luigi Mangione in Pennsylvania and New York will be in the media spotlight for months to come. The 26-year-old data scientist’ antipathy toward the health industry will be the sidebar in most coverage. …

Our system is fragmented by design, opaque by habit, resistant to change and considers criticism by outsiders unfair or ill-informed. Success and incentives in most healthcare organizations are based on short-term financial performance. Transparency is a threat and innovation is incremental. In the vast majority, Boards are rarely more than rubber stamps for management as long as “the numbers are hit.”

Tension between payers and providers, investor-owned and not-for-profit ownership and preventive health and specialty care has calcified and Executives are promoted as celebrities. In the process, the public’s attention is drawn to the industry where ministry and mission appear subordinate to corporatization and profit. …

That’s not the future. The public expects more and they’re tired of industry pushback and excuses.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 16, 2024

 

News to Know

  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 13.
  • The December edition of Trustee Insights, the AHA’s monthly digital package, highlights resources on key topics such as quality and safety priorities, social determinants of health, board diversity, behavioral health integration and financial performance.
  • In 2025, the MHA will host the second Human Resources Conference and welcome back the MHA Keystone Center’s Safety & Quality Symposium for the first time since 2019

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined Michigan’s Big Show Dec. 16 to discuss the 340B drug pricing program and legislation that would have safeguarded the program. Peters joined guest host Mel Seifert and discussed Senate Bill …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Features Hospital Quality and Safety Improvements

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2023-24 Annual Report, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing the safety and quality of care alongside Michigan hospitals. The report showcases MHA Keystone Center-led patient and workforce safety initiatives, including:

  • Resources created to support Michigan hospitals in their efforts to operationalize improved health outcomes for all.
  • Workforce safety offerings like active shooter trainings and physical security risk assessments provided via support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian.
  • Maternal health outcome improvements made across the state in partnership with the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM).

Printed copies are available upon request.

Members with questions about the report should contact the MHA Keystone Center.