The Michigan Legislature advanced several hospital-related bills during the week of June 13. Most notably, the Senate advanced a $590 million supplemental appropriations bill related to behavioral health. Several other policy bills the MHA …
The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act is newly proposed federal legislation to give healthcare workers the same legal protections against assault and intimidation that flight crews and airport workers have under federal law. U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Larry Bucshon, MD …
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center honored Beth Bedra, patient safety officer at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, June 9 with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award. …
“Comparatively, healthcare has seen relatively constrained price increases while the rest of the economy’s price hikes have soared: In the last 12 months, the energy index rose 34.6%–the largest 12-month increase 2005, the food index increased 10.1%–the first increase of 10% or more since 1981, vs. 4.0% for medical care–notably the lowest 12 month increase of any category in the CPI.”
The MHA has submitted comments regarding the proposed rule to update the fiscal year 2023 Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system.
Health policy committees met during the week of June 6 to continue action on three bills that would impact hospitals. Further testimony was taken on legislation to create a new state-based exchange for healthcare insurance …
The MHA has drafted comments regarding the fiscal year 2023 Medicare proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS). Hospitals are encouraged to review the impact of the proposed rule on …
“Last Thursday, the Medicare Trustees released their latest assessment of the long-term adequacy of the Trust Funds that reimburse [healthcare providers on] behalf of Medicare’s 64 million seniors and disabled adults. …
“This report is the Trustees’ 57th. Its projections are developed in two time-frames … A careful read provides a cautionary view about future Medicare funding adequacy.”
The MHA is developing an advocacy day specially designed for small or rural hospital members. Rural Advocacy Day will be held Sept. 21 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing.
MHA CEO Brian Peters expressed the MHA’s support for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affair’s new implicit bias training requirement for all professions licensed or registered under the Public Health Code in a story by Michigan Capitol Confidential.
The state Legislature took initial action on several bills that the MHA is watching during the week of May 23. In the House, testimony was taken on bills to make changes to lead testing requirements for children and a bill that would create a new state-based exchange for healthcare insurance. In the Senate ..
The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened May 25 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from former State House Speaker Jase Bolger on the Michigan …
The MHA, the Michigan Community College Association, Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities and the Michigan Association of State Universities released June 1 a collaborative proposal to invest state funds in expanding access to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree programs to the state’s …
Applications are due June 30 for the 2022-2023 class of the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship, which will be held from October 2022 through June 2023. Board members and executives who want to hear more about the fellowship experience can watch a video of graduates’ testimonials explaining …
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 this episode, Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System …
Suicide safety continues to be a priority for accrediting organizations such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission, requiring many providers to evaluate various policies and processes. They include how to keep suicidal patients safe when care is needed outside of …
The MHA hosted a CEO Rural Round Table event May 25 where healthcare leaders safely gathered at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa to collaborate on ways to foster growth and make immediate and long-term improvements in rural communities. …
MHA Senior Vice President of Advocacy Adam Carlson is listed in the 50 Names to Know in Lobbying guide for 2022 published by Crain’s Detroit Business. The Crain’s list is a selection of professionals representing trade groups, major corporations, law firms and multiclient firms. …
Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment in Michigan totaled approximately 1.18 million in April, an increase of 23,000 beneficiaries since January. The April MA enrollment is spread across 46 MA plans that are currently operating in the state, with approximately 56 percent of Michigan’s 2.1 million …
“Mental illness involves mood, stress, substance abuse and anxiety disorders and impacts children and adults. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease in the U.S. but its been treated as a second-class citizen in the U.S. health system for decades.”
The MHA will host a webinar from 11 a.m. to noon ET June 8 with ParaRev to provide an update on the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) Lab Test Private Payor Rate Reporting – CMS Update on PAMA Reporting Requirements.
MHA Endorsed Business Partner SUNRx will host a 340B Regulatory Brief from 2 to 3 p.m. ET June 14 to provide valuable insights for consideration in the management of participants’ 340B pharmacy strategies. The webinar will cover the current regulatory environment and implications moving forward.
MHA CEO Brian Peters spoke with Michael Patrick Shiels of Michigan’s Big Show June 3 as part of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference.
The Legislature acted on several healthcare-related bills during the week of May 16. The governor signed several bills into law to plan for new funding from the national opioid settlement and to allow for certain out-of-state prescriptions. In the House …
The registration deadline for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting is May 27. The in-person event will take place June 29, 30 and July 1 on Mackinac Island. The mobile meeting app for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting features an updated list …
The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with MHA Endorsed Business Partner HSS to offer in-person security risk assessments for its members. This assessment aims to provide an objective evaluation of threats to patients and staff and develop a corrective action plan. …
Suicide safety continues to be a priority for accrediting organizations such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission, requiring many providers to evaluate various policies and processes. They include how to keep suicidal patients safe when care is needed …
Every year, National Hospital Week serves as an opportunity to highlight hospitals, health systems, healthcare workers and the innovative ways they are supporting and connected to the community. For 2022, the MHA celebrated by showcasing member hospital and health system staff across social …
MHA CEO Brian Peters presented as the keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of Lansing’s weekly meeting May 13, discussing the MHA’s work supporting hospitals and healthcare systems across the full care continuum. …
The MHA recently became home to a new group of tenants at its Okemos headquarters: a family of Canada geese, including several freshly hatched goslings. The geese originally occupied a section of the headquarters parking lot, where the mother goose nested for many weeks under the guard of father goose. …
“In healthcare, the event potentially most consequential to consumers for at least the next 3 years happened last week—the Senate confirmation of Alvaro Bedoya to the Federal Trade Commission. The addition of the 40-year old attorney, professor and digital privacy expert gives Democrats a 3:2 majority at a critical time …”
The MHA responded to several media requests the week of May 16 on topics including price transparency, workforce challenges and the shortage of contrast media.
COVID-19 hospitalizations in Michigan have been rising in recent weeks, with 875 adults hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases on May 11; 77 of that number were in intensive care units. In addition, 36 children were in the hospital with confirmed or suspected cases on that date. A daily average of over 2,700 cases …
Legislation enhancing hospital flexibility for anesthesia care went into full effect May 10 following official confirmation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that it had received the letter of attestation sent by the governor. This was the final step needed for the provisions in House Bill …
Several bills impacting hospitals were acted upon during the week of May 9. Bills to plan for new funding from the national opioid settlement and to allow for certain out-of-state prescriptions were sent to the governor. In the Senate, testimony was taken on a bill to create a new license for …
The registration deadline is May 27 for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 29, 30 and July 1 on Mackinac Island. COVID-19 vaccination is required for attendees 12 years of age and older; details surrounding the vaccination verification process are outlined on the Code of Conduct …
Strategic thinking is a critical skill for all healthcare leaders, and the future belongs to organizations whose governing boards, working in strategic partnership with management, help envision the future and assist in discerning and framing questions the organization should ask of itself to prepare for the future. …
Antibiotics have transformed the practice of medicine, making once lethal infections readily treatable and other medical advances possible. Like all medications, antibiotics can have serious unintended consequences, such as causing a patient to have an adverse drug reaction or a patient misusing the …
“Politico broke its story at 8:32 pm last Monday: ‘Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows.’ …
“Their reporting was based on a leaked copy of the February 10, 98-page draft of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion on behalf of the court’s 5 conservative justices …
“The final ruling is expected next month but the immediate implications for the healthcare industry are significant.”
The MHA received media coverage the week of May 9 on an upcoming implicit bias training requirement and extending Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum.
The full Michigan House and Senate advanced their budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2023 budget beginning Oct. 1. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget bills, House Bill 5784 and Senate Bill 828, were reported to the opposite chambers for further consideration in the coming weeks. Both budget proposals …
The MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Advocacy Day welcomed 32 physician residents from more than a dozen member hospitals to the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center offices May 5 for a day of meetings with members of the Michigan Legislature and their staffs. Each group of residents met with a combination of lawmakers and legislative …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently issued an L-letter regarding attending physician claim edits that were implemented Jan. 1, 2022. The letter addresses concerns raised by the MHA and hospitals regarding the claim edit that has resulted in denied claims. …
“Since March 2020, America’s focus has been on the pandemic. … Since January 2022, the U.S. economy has eclipsed its 41-year record inflation rate … Since February 24, 2022, America’s attention has been drawn to the Ukrainian invasion by Russia and NATO’s response. …
“And starting yesterday, May begins in what is likely the most consequential for healthcare in years due to the cumulative impact …”
MHA EVP Laura Appel appears in a State of Reform article on bills that would create specialty integrated plans to cover specialty behavioral health benefits.
The Michigan House Appropriations Committee reported out April 26 their budget recommendation for the fiscal year 2023 budget beginning Oct. 1. House Bill 5784 protects hospital priorities, including maintaining …
The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (UCP) was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies April 27 for the MHA UCP’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a proposed policy for Medicaid coverage of doula services effective Oct. 1, 2022, contingent upon approval by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The MHA supports this proposal and agrees with …
The 2022 MHA Annual Membership Meeting will return to an in-person meeting June 29, 30 and July 1 on Mackinac Island. COVID-19 vaccination is required for attendees 12 years of age and older, and details surrounding the vaccination verification …
COVID-19 has reshaped the healthcare environment. Emerging trends will have implications for years to come and the way hospitals and boards lead through recovery — be it financial, clinical or emotional …
“The short-term impact of physician employment is closely monitored. But the long-term consequence of employed physicians is somewhat unclear. Currently, four major players are prominent in the mix; physician employment plays a critical role in each.”
The MHA will host a lunch and learn webinar from noon to 12:45 p.m. ET May 11 with MHA Endorsed Business Partner NextJob to provide an update on the latest labor market trends and leading practices to attract and keep valuable employees.
The Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services reported out April 20 their budget recommendation for the fiscal year 2023 budget beginning Oct. 1. Senate Bill 828 protects hospital priorities including maintaining funding for the Healthy Michigan Plan …
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) issued in early April two important utilization review decisions in favor of hospitals related to auto no-fault insurance reimbursement. Under the new system enacted as part of Public Act 21 of 2019, hospitals …
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) revised Public Health Code Rules requiring implicit bias training for all professions licensed or registered under the Public Health Code, except for Veterinary Medicine, effective June 1. …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service hospital inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year 2023. When all proposed changes are considered, the rule is expected to result in a net decrease …
The MHA will host a cybersecurity member forum from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2 at the Henry Center for Executive Development. Increasing cybersecurity threats support the need for leaders to identify vulnerabilities of medical devices and supply chains, to select staff who can lead threat mitigation …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital prospective payment system for fiscal year 2023. …
Successful stewardship of an organization is central to the role of governance. In many boardrooms, an inward, short-term operational focus robs governing boards of their attention to external forces and long-term strategic imperatives. It takes discipline and a symbiotic relationship between the board …
New nurses can be overwhelmed with responsibilities, which is why nurse preceptors make a difference. Nurse preceptors help new nurses develop their professional identity, access appropriate clinical research and learn from mistakes. …
“Last week, the Lown Institute issued its latest report card on not-for-profit hospitals finding most undeserving of their tax breaks. …
“In response, the American Hospital Association (AHA) released a statement criticizing the Lown Institute’s ‘faulty methodology’ and defending hospitals’ use of financial resources.”
The number of confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 in Michigan went up April 7-13 from the previous week, rising from an average of 750 per day to 1,104 per day. Out of the 7,725 confirmed and suspected cases that week, 81 Michiganders …
The MHA Board of Trustees met at the MHA’s downtown Lansing offices April 13 and were joined by Michigan House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Chair Thomas Albert (R-Lowell). Albert provided an update on the progress of the fiscal year 2023 state budget, which includes funding for …
The Michigan Legislature returned from its spring recess during the week of April 11, taking up several bills impacting hospitals. In the House, the state’s higher education …
MHA members will return to an in-person annual meeting June 29 through July 1 on Mackinac Island. COVID-19 vaccination is required for attendees 12 years of age and older; details surrounding the vaccination verification process are outlined …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently approved an extension of Michigan Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage for 12 months after pregnancy, up from 60 days, effective April 1, 2022. This coverage extension is expected to apply to approximately 16,000 pregnant and …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year 2023. …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update Medicare fee-for-service hospice payment rates, wage index, beneficiary cap amount and quality reporting program requirements for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. …
The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is the best choice to help prepare health organization board members to excel in performing their vital responsibilities as hospitals and health systems navigate an environment where COVID-19 is endemic. Launched 20 …
The MHA submitted a comment letter April 14 on behalf of its rural hospital members to the Federal Communications Commission in response to its request for input on proposed rulemaking to improve the Rural Health Care Program. …
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. …
National organizations are recognizing April as Workplace Violence Awareness Month and Minority Health Month, each of which are key priorities for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The Alliance Against Workplace Violence is leading efforts for Workplace Violence Awareness Month while the U.S. …
“Inflation hit a 40-year high of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2022. Driven by higher gas and food prices, the average household’s expenses have increased $433/month this year and the end is not in sight.
“It is taking its toll on consumers– disproportionately in lower income households, rural communities, the unhealthy and frail elderly and non-white populations. Recent polling underscores the gravity of the public mood.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported there were an average of 752 new confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases per day from April 2 through April 6. As of April 6, 453 adults and 17 children were hospitalized with confirmed and suspected cases; 96 adults were in intensive care units, 39 of them …
Legislation to decrease wait times for commercial insurance prior authorization requests was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 7. Senate Bill 247, introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), will shorten the timeline for approval to seven calendar days or 72 hours for urgent requests, as well as ensure that …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a proposed policy, effective July 1, 2022, allowing authorization for return transfers of stabilized infants from a neonatal intensive care unit back to the community hospital from which the patient was …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. Key highlights of the proposal include …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. Key highlights of the proposal include …
Where is the line between governance and management? The truth is each board must set its own boundaries on governance versus management decisions, and boards must continuously revisit this line. The webinar You and Your Board: Creating a Synergistic Combination, offered from noon to 1 p.m. April 27 …
The MHA hosted a one-hour Twitter chat March 4 to discuss Emergency Department (ED) Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).The chat allowed participants to engage with their peers and share information and resources related to ED MOUD, as many of these programs help address …
Healthcare workers across the country are experiencing a growing rate of incidents of violence against front-line caregivers, including workers in Michigan. In fact, healthcare workers are nearly four times more likely to experience violence than individuals in other industries, according to the …
“Last Monday, Medicare Trustees released the 56th edition of their National Health Expenditures (NHE) Forecast for 2021-2030 which is widely used by policymakers and operators to gauge what’s ahead for U.S. healthcare. Regrettably, it’s flawed.”
The Circle of Life Awards recognize innovative palliative or end-of-life care providers that measure and evaluate the impact of their work on patients, family and/or the community. Part 1 applications for the 2023 awards will be accepted through May 31.
Behavioral Health Supplemental Budget, Policy Bills Advance
