Tag: MHA Monday Report

MHA Monday Report Sept. 29, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

House Health Policy Hears Testimony on 340B Legislation

The House Health Policy Committee took up recently introduced legislation addressing 340B contract pharmacy arrangements during the week of Sept. 22. House Bill 4878, sponsored by Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), was recently introduced and …

U.S. Senate Approves SUPPORT Act Reauthorization to Address Opioid and Mental Health Crisis

The U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 on Sept. 18. The bill would provide more resources for preventing and treating addiction and mental illness. It passed the U.S. …

Vault Verify’s Role in HR Automation Featured in Podcast

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Vault Verify was recently featured on the RPI Tech Connect podcast episode “From Manual to Measurable: How UMMS Streamlined HR with RPI and Vault Verify.” Rebecca Hielke from the University of …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Hosts Human Errors and Design Thinking Safe Table

Registration is open for the MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Human Errors and Design Thinking Safe Table. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the …

Catching Up on All Things Healthcare with Tina Freese Decker

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring state and federal healthcare priorities with Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, president & CEO, Corewell Health and 2025 chair of the American …

Keckley Report

Responding to Trump Healthcare 2.0: Key Takeaways after 8 Months

“The Trump 2.0 administration is 8-months into its MAGA agenda. Summer has passed. Schools are open. Congress is in session. Campaign 2026 is underway. The economy is slowing and public sentiment is dropping.

For U.S. healthcare, it’s more bad news than good. The challenges are unprecedented. Most organizations—hospitals, medical groups, drug and device makers, infomediaries and solution providers, insurers, et al—are defaulting to lower risk bets since the long-term for the health system is unclear.

The good news is that the health system in the U.S. is big, fragmented, complex, expensive (5% CAGR spending increases thru 2034) and slow to change. It is highly regulated at local, state and federal levels, labor intense (20 million) and capital-dependent (government funding, private investment)—a trifecta nightmare for operators and goldmine for private investors who time the system for shareholders effectively. And it operates opaquely: business practices are hidden from everyday users and bona-fide measures of its effectiveness not widely applied or accepted. …

Trump Healthcare 2.0 is not transformational: it is transactional. It aims to simplify the system and facilitate changes certain to disrupt the status quo. Its locus of control, is Main Street USA. not Pennsylvania Ave, in DC.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 21, 2025

New to Know

News to Know

  • More than 50 Michigan hospitals are coming together to improve outcomes in maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease through new community benefit collaboratives.
  • The MHA Human Resources (HR) & Workforce Council met Sept. 25 to discuss current HR priorities and review its role in advancing the mission of the MHA and the role of human resource leaders.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) SunRx is hosting a 340B Regulatory Brief webinar Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. EDT with Bharath Krishnamurthy, health policy & analytics, American Hospital Association.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

 

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 Monday Report Dec. 16, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

340B Hospital Protections Advance, Medical Liability Blocked During Busy Lame Duck

Various healthcare bills, including increased 340B protections for healthcare providers, received attention by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Dec. 9. Senate Bill 1179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and which …

mha advancing safe care awardNominations Open for 2025 Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA is accepting nominations for its annual Advancing Safe Care Award to recognize Michigan hospitals that are tackling issues daily to make care safer and more dependable. Eligible nominees include teams from hospitals across the state …

MHA Keystone Center PSO to Host Structured Communications Safe Table

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is facilitating a virtual safe table from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 23. The Structured Communication Safe Table will be led by I-PASS Patient Safety Institute. …

MHA and Partners Host Section 1557 Webinar Addressing Language Services

The MHA hosted the Section 1557 Readiness Workshop Dec. 10 with MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) AMN Language Services as part of the ongoing effort to advance the health of individuals and communities. This session …

Upcoming Opportunities to Learn, Network and Grow in 2025

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. Both events have been developed alongside MHA …

2025 MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy Approved for More Than 30 Credit Hours

The MHA is pleased to offer its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2025. 32 credit hours are available for physicians, nurses and healthcare executives. In partnership with Executive Core and Grand Valley State University, two …

Keckley Report

In Healthcare, Most think We’re Shrewd and They’re Screwed

“The majority accept that operators in every sector of healthcare apply business practices intended to optimize their organization’s finances. Best practices for every insurer, hospital, drug/device manufacturer and medical practice include processes and procedures to maximize revenues, minimize costs and secure capital for growth/innovation. But in healthcare, the notion of profit remains problematic: how much is too much? and how an organization compensates its leaders for results beyond short-term revenue/margin improvement are questions of growing concern to a large and growing majority of consumers. …

The bottom line: the public is paying attention to business practices in healthcare. The death of Brian Thompson opened the floodgate for criticism of health insurers and the U.S. healthcare industry overall. It cannot be ignored. The public thinks industry folks are shrewd operators and they’re inclined to conclude they’re screwed as a result.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 9, 2024

 

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Dec. 9 on Senate Bill 1179, which would protect access to affordable prescription drugs and healthcare services through the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program. The bill was …

MHA Monday Report Dec. 9, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

Medical Liability Highlights Healthcare Issues That Receive Legislative Attention

A large collection of healthcare bills, including one that seeks to change medical liability, received attention by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Dec. 2. The House Judiciary Committee reported out House Bill …

Senate Passes Momnibus Bill Package

The Michigan Senate passed the Momnibus, a group of bills designed to improve equity and accountability in prenatal and maternal healthcare during the week of Dec. 2. The legislation includes Senate Bills 818–823, 825 and …

Senate Passes Behavioral Health Bills

The Michigan Senate unanimously passed several MHA-supported bills aimed at improving mental health treatment for individuals involved in the criminal justice system during the week of Dec. 2. Senate Bills (SB) 915 (Hertel-D), 916 (Santana-D), …

FORHP Updates Definition of Rural Area

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) recently announced updates to its definition of “rural area” to improve healthcare resource allocations in rural areas. A key addition is the use of the Rural Ruggedness …

CMS Releases Medicare 2025 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a final rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system effective Jan. 1,  2025. The final rule: Provides a net 2% increase …

MHA Continues to Offer Workplace Safety Posters

The MHA continues to offer workplace safety posters to MHA members at no cost to help hospitals comply with the requirement from Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023 that hospitals display signage informing individuals they …

MDHHS Introduces SUD Program Enhancements and New Mapping Tool

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently developed improvements to current substance use disorder (SUD) programs and a new SUD mapping tool to identify SUD treatment service locations throughout the state, with …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Lame Duck is Here

The balance of power at both the state and federal levels will change in 2025. Yet lawmakers still have several weeks remaining, a period we refer to as lame duck where a number of elected officials …

Keckley Report

Trump Healthcare 2.0: The Laundry List of Disruption Targets

“The incoming Trump administration is committed to cutting government waste and reducing regulation. That pledge puts the U.S. healthcare industry in the crosshairs for budget cuts and heightened attention. It’s also a high-profile industry that’s ripe for disruption.

Healthcare is the economy’s biggest private-sector employer (18.3 million) and accounts for 17.3% of the GDP and 28% of total federal spending. Since 2008, annual increases for prescription drugs, hospitals and physician services have increased faster than the “All Items” index widening every year. From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate was 4.2% for physician services, 4.4% for hospital care, 4.7% for prescription drugs and 5.0% for insurers who experienced the highest volatility of the four. …

The laundry list for Trump Healthcare 2.0 disruption is long. The public expects changes. Responding in business-as-usual fashion—especially thru well-worn trade association advocacy pronouncements– is short-sighted. It’s time to take a fresh look starting with a mirror.”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 2, 2024

News to Know

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the 2025 application period for the Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP).

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

MHA executives appeared on WJR 760 AM during the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 2 to discuss the association’s opposition to government mandated nurse staffing ratios. MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on Focus with …

MHA Monday Report Nov. 25, 2024

Member News, Monday Report

DEA Extends Telemedicine Rule for Controlled Substances Through 2025

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a rule extending telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances through Dec. 31, 2025. This extension continues pandemic-era provisions, allowing …

MHA and Partners Host Cybersecurity Tabletop for UP Healthcare Leaders

The MHA hosted the Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop Oct. 14 in Escanaba, MI with MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q and the Region 8 Healthcare Coalition as part of the ongoing …

MHA Webinar to Review Upcoming Earned Sick Time Act

The MHA will host the webinar Earned Sick Time Act – What to Know and How to Prepare from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 9 to provide an overview of the upcoming Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) effective Feb. 21, 2025, and to help employers prepare for compliance. …

MHA Podcast Explores Resources for Family Caregivers

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast for National Caregiver Month featuring Diane Mariani, LCSW, CADC, program manager for the department of social work and community health program at RUSH University …

Keckley Report

The Profession of Medicine: Key Takeaways from the AMA Interim House of Delegates Meeting

“Last week, the American Medical Association (AMA) held its 2024 Interim House of Delegates (HOD) meeting in Lake Beuna Vista, Florida. The Bi-Annual confab drew 700 delegates representing 200 medical societies and physician professional organizations who considered 712 resolutions in the four-day agenda. …

Against this backdrop, there is consensus in the health system and Congress that the physician workforce is unhealthy and recognition of shortages in rural areas and certain specialties.  There’s consensus among consumers (patients) that physicians are trusted and well-paid but their accessibility increasingly limited. And there’s consensus among physicians that the profession is in crisis-mode. …

Physicians will always play a prominent role in U.S. healthcare. The profession’s preparedness to lead its inevitable transformation is the big unknown. And its attractiveness to future generations of physicians the big risk if not addressed.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 18, 2024

News to Know

  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 28 and 29 in honor of Thanksgiving.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 9.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Language Services will host the webinar Section 1557 Readiness Workshop – Guidance and Resources for the 2024 Deadlines Dec. 10 from noon – 1 p.m. ET.
  • The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 – 11, 2025.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Nov. 21 on healthcare workplace violence research and the relationship between hospitals and community mental health organizations. The Oakland Press published a story Nov. 18 on the …

News to Know – Nov. 25, 2024

Member News
New to Know
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 28 and 29 in honor of Thanksgiving.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 2 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 9. Member alerts and MHA newsroom articles will continue to be published during that time to provide relevant updates to the MHA membership, as necessary.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Language Services will host the webinar Section 1557 Readiness Workshop – Guidance and Resources for the 2024 Deadlines Dec. 10 from noon – 1 p.m. ET. This is the first of a three-part series of webinars designed to provide members with the essential tools and insights needed to ensure compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s Section 1557. There is no cost to attend and members are encouraged to register. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • The MHA is offering its popular Healthcare Leadership Academy program Feb. 19 – 21 and April 10 – 11, 2025. Physicians, nurses and other rising leaders who wish to strengthen their leadership skills are encouraged to register for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy. Members with questions or seeking more information may contact Jen Sokol at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report July 1, 2024

Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Holds Final Meeting of Program Year

The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2023-2024 program year on Mackinac Island in conjunction with the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. At the meeting, the board recognized the success of the …

2025 State Budget Supports Key Healthcare Priorities

The Michigan Legislature approved the fiscal year 2025 state budget the week of June 24 which the governor is expected to sign into law next month. The budget proposal fully funds the Michigan Medicaid …

Health & Hospital Association Elects 2024-2025 Officers and Board Members

Members of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) elected new officers and appointed board members during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 26. Officers of the 2024-2025 MHA Board of Trustees include Julie Yaroch, …

Sen. Anthony and Rep. Witwer

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 27, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The …

Dr. Loren Hamel speaks at the 2018 MHA Annual Meeting.

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Dr. Hamel

The MHA announced the 2024 winner of its highest achievement award June 27 during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. Receiving the award for his decades of healthcare leadership is Loren Hamel, MD, president, Corewell Health …

Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

The MHA announced the winners of its 2024 Healthcare Leadership Award June 27 during its Annual Membership Meeting. Each year, the MHA recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional leadership to healthcare organizations and to …

Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs

The MHA announced the winners of its 2024 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 27. The honorees include programs supported by Corewell Health William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak; Insight Surgical …

Ascension St. John Hospital Receives MHA Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA announced the winner of its 2024 Advancing Safe Care Award June 27, honoring the dedicated team at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit. The award was announced during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. …

Favorable Federal Court Ruling Allows Hospitals to Continue to Offer Unaltered Public Websites

A United States District Court Judge in Texas issued a ruling June 20 on recent Department of Health and Human Services bulletins that restrict healthcare providers from using standard third-party web technologies that partially …

The Keckley Report

The CBO Health Insurance Status Report: Four Reasons it’s Overly Optimistic

“A close reading of this report suggests its forecast might be overly optimistic. it paints a best-case picture of health insurance coverage that under-estimates the realities of household economics and marketplace trends and over-estimates the value proposition promoted by health insurers to their customers. My conclusion is based on four trends that suggest coverage might slip more than the report suggests …

Thus, no one knows for sure what coverage will be in 2034 as presented in the CBO report. Its analysis appropriately considers medical inflation, population growth and an incremental shift to value-based purchasing in healthcare, but it fails to accommodate highly relevant changes in the capital markets, corporate insurer shareholder interests and voter sentiment.”

Paul Keckley, June 24, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled July 4 and 5 in honor of Independence Day.
  • Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published July 8 and will resume its normal schedule July 15.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner ProCredEx will host a free 30-minute webinar for members on July 8 to discuss AI-Assisted Document Transform.

MHA CEO Brian Peters

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 24 that includes coverage on cybersecurity, market consolidation, 340B and the fiscal year 2025 state budget. MLive published an article June 26 looking at the reason healthcare is the top target for cyberattacks.  …

MHA Monday Report June 24, 2024

Monday Report

Help Protect 340B in Michigan: MHA Action Alert Available

Hospitals throughout Michigan rely on savings from the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program every day to spread scarce resources and care for those with limited or no access to healthcare. As manufacturers and other players at …

Registration Open for Workplace Violence Prevention Safe TableMHA Events

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) is hosting a Workplace Violence Prevention Safe Table from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25 at the MHA Headquarters …

Update: Rural Cybersecurity Program

The White House held a briefing on June 14 with representatives from Google and Microsoft to elaborate on the cybersecurity program being offered to rural communities. These initiatives are designed to improve cybersecurity measures for rural hospitals across the United States …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights: Leadership at the System and Community Level

The June edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association, includes insights from four governing board chairs who respond to questions about the opportunities and challenges for the current and future state of health care and what inspires them as they chart the course ahead …

MHA Podcast Explores the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring AI ‘s role in healthcare today and what it will look like in the future. The episode features Bruce Brandes, president of Care.ai and Monica Holmes, a PhD candidate in bioinformatics at the University of Michigan and a current member of the MHA AI Task Force …

The Keckley Report

The Healthcare Economy: Three Key Takeaways that Frame Public and Private Sector Response

“The health economy is expanding above the overall rates of population growth, overall inflation and the U.S. economy’s GDP.  Its long-term sustainability is in question unless monetary policies enable other industries to grow proportionately and/or taxpayers agree to pay more for its services. These data confirm its unit costs and prices are problematic.

As Campaign 2024 heats up with the economy as its key issue, promises to contain health spending, impose price controls, limit consolidation and increase competition will be prominent. Public sector actions will likely feature state initiatives to lower cost and spend taxpayer money more effectively. Private sector actions will center on employer and insurer initiatives to increase out of pocket payments for enrollees and reduce their choices of providers.

Thus, these reports paint a cautionary picture for the health economy going forward. Each sector will feel cost-containment pressure and each will claim it is responding appropriately. Some actually will. …”

Paul Keckley, June 17, 2024

News to Know

  • The MHA is hosting office hours virtually from 2 to 3 p.m. every Thursday through June 27 to assist hospitals in completing an application for The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care Verification. Members with questions about office hours should contact Ewa Panetta.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth will host a free webinar for members on June 26.

MHA Monday Report June 17, 2024

Monday Report

Cybersecurity Resources Available to Assist Rural Hospitals

The White House announced collaborative efforts June 10 aimed at strengthening cybersecurity for rural hospitals across the United States. Through this collaboration, Microsoft and Google announced a series of initiatives to provide free or discounted …

New Drug Linked to Overdose Deaths Across Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is warning Michigan residents and healthcare providers about medetomidine, a new drug identified in overdose deaths across the state. Medetomidine is a veterinary tranquilizer, similar to …

New Endorsed Business Partner Vault Verify Provides HR Data Solutions

The MHA’s Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) program promotes industry-leading firms. The EBP program connects member hospitals to solutions that alleviate pain points. The MHA recently endorsed Vault Verify, which is a leader in automated employment …

COMPACT Act Expands Emergent Suicide Care to Veterans

Effective January 2023, section 201 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020 allows eligible veterans to receive emergent suicide care in any Veterans Affairs (VA) or non-VA facility …

Protecting Community-based Care Through 340BMHA Rounds graphic, indicating thought leadership blog style post. Featuring Elizabeth Kutter pictured, woman with blonde hair smiling on the right.

Right now, a low-income patient in Northern Michigan is picking up a drug at a discounted price that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. In another corner of the state, a cancer patient is receiving lifesaving treatment …

The Keckley Report

Can Medical Schools be Part of the Physician Discontent Solution?

“Friday, the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association began their Annual Meeting in Chicago where payment reforms will headline the meeting and resolutions to strengthen the profession voted on by the 1000 attendees. This meeting falls on the heels of welcome attention from Congress which seems sympathetic to physician pay issues as documented most recently in the Senate Finance Committee’s White Paper on Physician payment reforms. …

Modernizing medical school training to better prepare physicians for practice in the 21 century is needed in medical schools. As Deans are reducing lectures, implementing collaborative instructional methods, incorporating technology-enabled clinical decision support tools, expanding team-based learning experiences and expanding student exposure to non-hospital-based practice environments, resources should also be invested to prepare students to operate effectively as leaders and managers. …”

Paul Keckley, June 10, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.
  • The MHA is hosting office hours virtually from 2 to 3 p.m. every Thursday through June 27 to assist hospitals in completing an application for The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care  Verification.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth will host two free webinars for members to register.

MHA Monday Report June 10, 2024

Monday Report

House Insurance Committee Hears Testimony on Bill to Protect 340B

The House Insurance and Financial Services Committee convened June 5 to hear testimony on House Bill 5350, introduced by Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), which would protect access to affordable prescription drugs and healthcare services …

Governor Signs Telehealth Parity & Behavioral Health Licensing Clarification Bills

Gov. Whitmer signed several MHA-supported bills during the week of June 3 related to telehealth services and behavioral health licensing. House Bills 4131, 4213, 4579 and 4580 (now referred to as Public Acts 51 – 53 of 2024) establish …

Maternal Levels of Care Toolkit Created to Assist with TJC Verification

A toolkit of resources is now available to assist hospitals with the application process for The Joint Commission’s (TJC’s) Maternal Levels of Care Verification. The toolkit contains resources from TJC and the Florida Perinatal …

MDHHS Distributes Funding to Michigan Universities to Support Behavioral Health Workforce

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently allocated $5 million to 12 Michigan universities to provide stipends to students pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work to Master of Social Work …

Expanded AMN Healthcare Partnership Offers Greater Member Solutions

The MHA’s Endorsed Business Partner program promotes industry-leading firms that can meet the most pressing needs of our member hospitals and health systems. The MHA recently endorsed a national leader in workforce solutions. The …

Health Facility State License Renewals Due July 31

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced the start of the 2024-2025 renewal cycle for health facilities operating under state licenses. This renewal applies to hospitals, psychiatric units, hospices, outpatient surgical facilities …

The Keckley Report

Handicapping the Players in the Quest for Healthcare Affordability

“As campaigns for November elections gear up for early voting and Congress considers bipartisan reforms to limit consolidation and enhance competition in U.S. healthcare, prospective voters are sending a cleat message to would-be office holders:

Healthcare Affordability must be addressed directly, transparently and now. …

Getting consensus to address affordability head on is hard, so not much is done by the sectors themselves. And none is approaching the solution in its necessary context—the financial security of a households facing unprecedented pressures to make ends meet. In all likelihood, the bigger, more prominent organizations in their ranks of these sectors will deliver affordability solutions well-above the lowest common denominators that are comfortable for most Thus, health care affordability will be associated with organizational brands and differentiated services, not the sectors from which their trace their origins. And it will be based on specified utilization, costs, outcome and spending guarantees to consumers and employers that are reasonable and transparent.”

Paul Keckley, June 3, 2024

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 3 that includes coverage on the 340B drug pricing program and from the Mackinac Policy Conference on the healthcare workforce. Michigan Advance published an article June …