Tag: MHA Monday Report

MHA Monday Report June 3, 2024

Monday Report

Michigan Hospitals Fill 61,000 Jobs in 2023

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association  published results from their second annual Michigan hospital workforce survey that shows hospital recruitment, retention and training efforts in 2023 …

MHA EventsMI Hospital Careers Campaign Receives PACE Awards

The MHA’s MI Hospital Careers campaign was recognized for two awards May 23 at the 2024 Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America’s PACE Awards ceremony. The campaign received two first-place Pinnacle Awards in …

Rethinking Onboarding: A Crucial Step Towards Employee Success

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions recently published a blog post sharing steps for evaluating an organization’s onboarding process. The onboarding process is pivotal for new employees, demanding a dynamic approach in a rapidly …

MHA EventsMHA Hosts Successful Cybersecurity Tabletop

The MHA hosted the Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop May 22 with MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q. CyberForce|Q representatives Alex Sabin, technical success leader, and Terrance McCoy, participant success engineer, guided …

MHA CEO Report — Moving the Workforce Needle

The healthcare workforce has been one of the MHA’s strategic action priorities for the past several years. As we near completion of our 2023-2024 program year, I’m extremely pleased to see the results of the MHA’s second annual hospital workforce survey …

The Keckley Report

The Do’s and Don’ts of Navigating the Health System when you Need It: My First-Hand Experience

“The patient experience is defined by the support team: The heroes in every setting I’ve used are the clerks, technicians, nurses and support staff who’ve made the experiences tolerable and/or reassuring. Patients like me are scared. Emotional support is key: some of that is defined by standard operating procedures and checklists but, in other settings, it’s cultural. Genuineness, empathy and personal attention is easy to gauge when pain is a factor. By the time physicians are on the scene, reassurance or fear is already in play. Care teams include not just those who provide hands-on care, but the administrative clerks and processes that either heighten patient anxiety or lessen fear. The health and well-being of the entire workforce—not just those who deliver hands-on care—matters. And it’s easy to see distinctions between organizations that embrace that notion and those that don’t. …

Patients, like me, have to fend for ourselves. I am a number. Last Wednesday, waiting 85 minutes to be seen was frightening and frustrating though comparatively fast. Duplicative testing, insurer approvals, work-shift transitions, bedside manners, team morale, and sterile care settings seem the norm more than exception. …

The health system is complicated and relationships between its major players are tense. Not surprisingly and for many legitimate reasons, my experience, thus far, is the norm. We can do better.”

Paul Keckley, May 28, 2024

News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth will host the webinar From Denials to Recovery: Upgrading Your Approach to DRG Downgrades to share practical solutions to optimize denials management processes and ensure financial stability.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA published a press release May 29 that shares new Michigan hospital workforce data, including information on the number of employees hired in 2023, the number of vacancies in 2024 and updated economic impact …

MHA Monday Report May 27, 2024

Monday Report

Governor Signs Mental Health Parity Law and Other Legislative Updates

Gov. Whitmer signed Michigan’s first mental health parity law May 21. The bipartisan legislation requires insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments at the same level as physical health services. Senate Bill …

Deadline Approaching for MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications for the 2024 – 2025 MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship, held from October 2024 through June 2025, are due June 28. Governing board members enrolled in the fellowship will learn how to frame problems …

MHA Webinar Reviews Workplace Safety and Privacy Laws

The MHA Health Foundation is hosting the Balancing Workplace Safety Privacy Laws webinar scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon, June 11. The webinar will address how hospitals balance the safety, security and privacy of patients, …

 

Collaborating to Address EMS Challenges

Following National EMS Week, it’s important to recognize how we can continue to support the dedicated teams providing lifesaving care every day to Michigan patients and communities. In my role as director of health policy …

Deadline to Register for MHA Workforce Recruitment Models Webinar

Registration closes May 29 for the MHA webinar Recruitment Models that Grow a Strong and Patient-Centered Workforce scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. May 30. The webinar highlights the MHA Person & Family Engagement Roadmap, …

The Keckley Report

Hospital Price Transparency: Is the Juice worth the Squeeze?

“Academic researchers and economists have concluded that hospital price transparency has not led to reduced heath spending overall nor lower hospital prices. Per a recent systematic review: “No evidence was found for impact on the outcomes volume, availability or affordability. The overall lack of evidence on policies promoting price transparency is a clear call for further research…  Price-aware patients chose less costly services that led to out-of-pocket cost savings and savings for health insurers; however, these savings did not translate into reductions in aggregate healthcare spending.  Disclosure of list prices had no effect, however disclosure of negotiated prices prompted supply-side competition which led to decreases in prices for shoppable services.”

Per Wall Street Journal actuaries, hospital price increases account for 23% of annual health spending increases but vary widely based on factors other than their underlying costs. Determining how hospital prices are set remains beyond the scope of conventional pricing models. …

Is the Juice worth the Squeeze for hospital price transparency efforts? To date, proponents say yes, opponents say no, and each side has valid concern about use by consumers. But unless one believes the role of consumers as purchasers and users of the system’s service will diminish in coming years, the safe bet is hospital price transparency will play a bigger role. …”

Paul Keckley, May 20, 2024

News to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled May 27 in honor of Memorial Day.

 

MHA Monday Report May 20, 2024

Monday Report

Legislature Advances MHA Supported Policy Bills; Budgets Moves Through Senate

The Michigan Senate advanced their chamber budgets for the upcoming fiscal year during the week of May 13. The Senate’s budget recommendations for the Department of Health and Human Services continues vital funding for Medicaid, …

House Campaign Committee Chairs Address Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center May 15 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by presentations …

CDC Urges Hospitals to Complete mPINC Survey

The 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) will close June 10. The CDC seeks to assess maternity care practices that influence how …

Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act Introduced in the U.S. Senate

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act May 14 to bolster rural healthcare. Senate Bill 4322 aims to address critical gaps in rural healthcare infrastructure by …

MHA Podcast Explores Benefits, Challenges of Virtual Care in Behavioral Health

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring how clinicians are navigating virtual care in the behavioral health space. The episode, released during Mental Health Awareness Month, features two providers from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. …

The Keckley Report

Hospitals at a Crossroad: Reactive Navigation or Proactive Orchestration?

“The U.S. economy is strong but growing numbers in the population face financial insecurity and economic despair. Increased out-of-pocket costs for food, fuel and housing (especially rent) have squeezed household budgets and contributed to increased medical debt—a problem in 41% of U.S. households today. Hospital bills are a factor. …

For most hospitals, a decision to invest and behave as if the future is a repeat of the past is a calculated risk. Others with less stake in community health and wellbeing and greater access to capital will seize this opportunity and, in the process, disable hospitals might play in the process.

Near-term reactive navigation vs. long-term proactive orchestration–that’s the crossroad in front of hospitals today. Hopefully, during National Hospital Week, it will get the attention it needs in every hospital board room and C suite. …”

Paul Keckley, May 12, 2024

News to Know

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is requesting feedback to understand the challenges of obtaining a license.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

Crain’s Grand Rapids published an article May 16 on the release of Rand Corp. study on hospital pricing. Michigan reportedly has the third lowest hospital care costs relative to Medicare in the country, although the …

MHA Monday Report May 13, 2024

Monday Report

House Advancing Medicaid Budget Highlights Legislative Work

The Michigan House of Representatives advanced its state fiscal year 2025 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget recommendations during the week of May 5. Importantly, the chamber’s budget recommendation continues vital …

MHA EventsMHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Deadline Approaching

The registration deadline is May 24 for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 26 through 28 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The MHA Annual Membership Meeting is an opportunity to learn, network and …

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Preparedness and Resources

News of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1, commonly referred to as bird flu, is spreading across the country with concerns for animal-to-human transmission. The MHA and its partners are monitoring the situation closely with …

Registration Open for Caregiver Engagement Webinar

The MHA Keystone Center is hosting the Identifying and Engaging Family Caregivers Webinar at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 6. The event, facilitated by RUSH University’s Center for Excellence in Aging, is free to MHA members. …

 

MHA EventsMHA and CyberForce|Q In-Person Cybersecurity Workshop

The MHA is partnering with Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q to offer the in-person workshop Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop from 9:00 a.m. to noon, May 22 at the MHA headquarters …

MHA EventsPublic Relations Professionals Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

The 2024 MHA Communications Retreat brought together nearly 100 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from MHA-member facilities May 7 to network and learn from peers across the state. Topics on the agenda included artificial …

MHA Hosts Successful Virtual Care Models Webinar

The MHA hosted nearly 100 healthcare staff in patient experience, nursing, quality and human resources roles May 2 during the webinar Virtual Care Models that Improve Engagement and Support Staff. Representatives from Henry Ford Health …

The Keckley Report

Is the Health System the Next Target for Campus Unrest?

“In my 4Q 2023 Keckley Poll, distinctions between the views of the college-age population and older adults about the health system were surprising: though college age adults use the health system less than others, they share a widespread belief it’s flawed and in need of fundamental change. They believe the profit in healthcare is more important than its caring and they’re open to government policies that might rein in its corporatization. …

The U.S. system is an unlikely target for campus unrest today but a likely target tomorrow. College student interaction with the health system is episodic: student health is a backstop for their bouts with depression, substance abuse, STIs, chronic conditions and accidents. Insurance and payment are concerns, and impressions from childhood household circumstances flavor their impressions of how the system operates. But what they’re seeing is key: the most heralded organizations in healthcare are associated with their size, financial success and the personal wealth of their executives. In college circles, Wall Street success seems more important than Main Street authenticity, transparency, environmental consciousness, fairness and humility. Like the majority of Americans, their views about the health system are anecdotal and regretfully negative. …”

Paul Keckley, May 6, 2024

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Managed Care Advisory Group, Inc. provided an update on the Visa Mastercard class action settlement.
  • The MHA Keystone Center is partnering with the Michigan Regional Perinatal Quality Collaborative to offer an additional networking opportunity for members attending the Michigan Maternal & Infant Health Summit.
  • In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the MHA Keystone Center developed a series of online learning modules for infection control and prevention education.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) issued a press release May 9 highlighting her introduction of the Stop Nurse Shortages Act that included a quote of support from MHA CEO Brian Peters. The bipartisan bill, introduced …

MHA Monday Report May 6 2024

Member News, Monday Report


Medical Residents Converge for GME Capitol Day

The MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day welcomed more than 40 physician residents from a dozen member hospitals to the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center offices May 1 for a day of meetings with members …

Medicaid Budget Bills Advance, Other Health Issues Move Forward

The House and Senate appropriations committees advanced recommendations during the week of April 28 for the Department of Health and Human Services as a part of the state fiscal year 2025 budget. The MHA is …

The Rural 340B Access Act of 2024 Introduced in the U.S. House

The bipartisan Rural 340B Access Act of 2024 was introduced April 29 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Introduced by Reps. Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06), the legislation aims to enhance the Rural …

speak upCorewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Nurse Receives Q1 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association Keystone Center celebrated Jennie Lynn, RN, at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, April 30 as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipient. The quarterly MHA Keystone …

Registration Open for Safe Table on Structured Communication Models

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization is hosting the Structured Communication Hand-Off Safe Table from 12:30 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 12 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos, MI. The peer-led discussion about …

MHA Keystone Center Offers Infection Control & Prevention Online Courses

The MHA Keystone Center partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create a series of online learning modules for infection control and prevention education. The modules cater to the needs …

MHA Podcast Explores Healthcare Cybersecurity with Michigan Medicine

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring what happens when a hospital or health system experiences a cyberattack featuring Jack Kufahl, chief information security officer at Michigan Medicine. In his …

MHA CEO Report — Implementing Behavioral Health Solutions

Behavioral health is one of the four key strategic pillars for the MHA this program year. The MHA Board of Trustees tasked our association with prioritizing the issue and to identify solutions that can make a meaningful difference for patients and …

The Keckley Report

Four Implicit Messages to Healthcare in the FTC Non-Compete Rule

“Last Tuesday (April 23), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a 570-page final rule in a partisan 3-2 vote prohibiting employers from binding most American workers to post-employment non-competition agreements (the “Final Rule”): …

Odds are this rule will not become law anytime soon allowing healthcare organizations to consider alternatives to the non-competes they use. Work-arounds for protection of intellectual property, talent acquisition, employment agreements are likely as HR professionals, benefits and compensation consultancies huddle to consider what’s next. …

What’s clear is that the FTC and regulators in DC and many states are watching the industry closely and many aren’t buying what we’re selling.”

Paul Keckley, April 29, 2024

News to Know

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Professional Licensing is seeking new expert witnesses to review standard of care investigation cases.

MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of April 28 that includes coverage on the national shortage of radiologists and radiology technicians, recently introduced bills at the federal level and rural hospital challenges. Below is …

MHA Monday Report April 26, 2024

Monday Report, Member News

MHA Member Testifies on Healthcare Legislation, Staffing Agency Bill Introduced

Hills and Dales Hospital President and CEO Andrew Daniels testified April 25 in the House Health Policy Committee on legislation removing timelines on disposal of sharps containers. Senate Bill 482, which was initiated by …

MDHHS Announces $10 Million Maternal Health Reimbursement Opportunity

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced April 22 its intention to reimburse Michigan birthing hospitals for committing to participate in The Joint Commission Maternal Levels of Care Verification Program and …

CMS Seeks Comments on Proposed Transforming Episode Accountability Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) included a proposal to create a new mandatory alternative payment model, the Transforming Episode Accountability Model, in the fiscal year 2025 hospital inpatient prospective payment system …

LEO Launches Second Round of Going Pro Talent Fund Grants

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunities (LEO) recently opened the second round of Going Pro Talent Fund grants, which will distribute a portion of the $11 million remaining from the first round of …

MHA EventsFinal Reminder: Register Now for the 2024 Communications Retreat

It is not too late to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Members are encouraged to …

Requests for Information Required for SLCGP Grant

The Michigan Cybersecurity Planning Committee is requesting additional information from applicants who previously expressed an interest in participating in the Fiscal Year 2022 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Funds (SLCGP). This program aims to …

CMS Releases FY 2025 LTCH PPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year 2025. Specifically, the rule proposes: …

The Keckley Report

Hospitals declare War on Corporate Insurance: Handicapping the Players

“At the Annual Meeting of the American Hospital Association in DC last week, its all-out attack on “corporate insurance” was a prominent theme. In the meeting recap, AHA CEO Rick Pollack made the influential organization’s case:

“This year, there was special focus on educating policymakers that our health care system is suffering from multiple chronic conditions. These include continued government underpayment, cyberattacks, workforce shortages, broken supply chains, access to behavioral health, and irresponsible behavior by corporate commercial health insurance companies, among others — that put access to services in serious jeopardy.” …

This war has been simmering. It’s now a blaze. The outcome is uncertain despite the considerable resources both will spend to win.”

Paul Keckley, April 22, 2024

News to Know

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions is hosting a free webinar Empowering Rural Care: Dynamic Staffing Solutions and Retention Methods from noon – 1 p.m. ET May 8 with special guest, Patti Artley, chief nursing officer at Medical Solutions.

 

MHA Monday Report April 22, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MHA Annual Membership Meeting Registration Opens

MHA Annual Meeting logoRegistration is now open for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 26 through 28 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding …

 

MHA Webinars Share Ways Virtual Care and New Recruitment Models Support PFE

The MHA will host two webinars May 2 and May 30 on virtual care and recruitment models in healthcare that support person and family engagement (PFE). It is through dialogue, relationship building and shared decision-making among patients, caregivers and healthcare staff that …

Advancing Safe Care Award Nominations Due April 26

Nominations for the 2024 Advancing Safe Care Award close on April 26. The award recognizes Michigan hospitals for improving care safety and reliability, with eligible nominees including teams dedicated to transparency in care …

Applications Open for Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024-2025 Excellence in Governance Fellowship, which will be held from October 2024 through June 2025. The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is a rigorous and comprehensive program delivering …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Importance of Children’s Health

The April edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), focuses on the value nurse leaders bring to the governing board. An article outlines information from several studies citing how nurses promote health equity …

The Keckley Report

Paul Keckley8 Reasons Hospitals must Re-think their Future

“Last Monday, CMS announced the base payment rate it will pay Medicare Advantage plans in 2025: plans will see an average 3.7%, or $16 billion, increase in payments once risk scores are factored in but a cut to base payments of 0.16% since 2025 risk scores were expected to be 3.86%. That’s the math. …

These rules are a big deal. CMS appears poised to challenge the industry’s formidable strengths and force changes.

Together, these rules will disrupt day to day operations in every MA plan, intensify friction with providers over network design, coverage and reimbursement negotiations and confuse enrollees who might have to pay more or change plans. …”

Paul Keckley, April 15, 2024

News to Know

  • The results of special elections conducted April 16 restores the two-person Democratic majority in the Michigan House of Representatives with the elections of Mai Xiong (D-Warren) in the 13th House District and Peter Herzberg (D-Westland) in the 25th House District.
  • Healthcare leaders are encouraged to nominate a colleague who advances health equity for the New Detroit Just Lead: Advancing Racial Equity 2024 Leadership Award.

MHA in the News

The Detroit News published an article April 15 on all Michigan projects that were earmarked in the final government spending bill for 2024, which included $756,000 for the MHA Keystone Center to support the development and deployment of evidence-based best practices and hands-on training to nursing home staff for the prevention of infections. …

MHA Monday Report April 15, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingMichigan Legislature Introduces Behavioral Health Bills

The Michigan Legislature introduced several bills recently related to behavioral health. The bills are a result of MHA advocacy activity that supports the behavioral health section of the MHA Strategic Action Plan. Each of the …

MHA Board Uplifts Funding for Birthing Hospitals

The MHA Board of Trustees continued work on advancement of the 2023-2024 Strategic Action Plan at its April 10 meeting, with focus on its four pillars: workforce support and innovation, viability, improved behavioral healthcare and …

$10 Million Grant Available for Birthing Hospitals

The MHA and the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health recently secured a new state grant to support birthing hospitals. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing $10 million for hospitals …

MHA Publishes Guardianship Guide for Providers and Patients

The MHA published a new resource for hospital and healthcare teams to support patients and families navigating the guardianship process. The Guide for Michigan’s Adult Guardianship Process addresses commonly asked …

CMS Releases FY 25 Hospital IPPS Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The rule proposes to: Increase …

MHA Behavioral Health Learning Series Navigates Challenges

The MHA is hosting a five-part webinar series to provide hospital staff with a deeper understanding of Michigan’s behavioral health system and the hospital’s role in connecting patients with care. These webinars are part of …

MDHHS Announces Medicaid Rebid Contract Awardees

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced April 8 Medicaid program contract awardees for the contract that begins Oct. 1, 2024. Nine health plans were awarded contracts to cover Medicaid services for …

Addressing Disparities in Maternal Care: A Conversation During Black Maternal Health Week

In observance of Black Maternal Health Week this April 11-17, Carlie Austin, maternal infant health policy specialist, MHA, and Sarah Scranton, vice president, safety & quality and executive director, MHA Keystone Center, share the importance …

Register Today for 2024 Communications Retreat

There is still time to register for the 2024 MHA Communications Retreat scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. Current registration includes representation …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyCMS Medicare Advantage Final Rules: Why 2025 will be Significantly Different for Plans, Enrollees and Providers

“Last Monday, CMS announced the base payment rate it will pay Medicare Advantage plans in 2025: plans will see an average 3.7%, or $16 billion, increase in payments once risk scores are factored in but a cut to base payments of 0.16% since 2025 risk scores were expected to be 3.86%. That’s the math. …

These rules are a big deal. CMS appears poised to challenge the industry’s formidable strengths and force changes.

Together, these rules will disrupt day to day operations in every MA plan, intensify friction with providers over network design, coverage and reimbursement negotiations and confuse enrollees who might have to pay more or change plans. …”

Paul Keckley, April 8, 2024

News to Know

Members are encouraged to register for the 2024 MHA Graduate Medical Education Capitol Day, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center by April 19.

MHA in the News

Michigan Advance “Micheconomy” columnist Rick Haglund published a column April 7 that focuses on the large role education and healthcare have in Michigan’s economy. It specifically references the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s annual Economic …

MHA Monday Report April 8, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MHA Panelists Featured During 2024 State of Reform Health Policy Conference

MHA staff participated in panel discussions April 4 during the 2024 State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Lansing, MI. MHA speakers included Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy; Jim …

advancing self care awardNominations Open for 2024 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 …

CMS Releases FY 2025 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

Webinar Detailing Virtual Care Models Approved for CE

The MHA is hosting the webinar Virtual Care Models that Improve Engagement and Support Staff from noon to 1 p.m. May 2. Representatives from Henry Ford Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids will outline the …

CMS Releases Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities FY 2025 Proposed Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule March 29 to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key provisions …

MHA Human Resources Conference Top Takeaways

The 2024 MHA Human Resources Conference gathered almost 100 healthcare human resource leaders to explore innovative recruitment and succession planning strategies and network with peers from across the state in-person for the first time in …

MDHHS Issues RFP for EMS Workforce Grants

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a request for proposal (RFP) for emergency medical services (EMS) workforce grants to improve accessibility of EMS training programs. Through the $9 million grant, the …

Workforce Talent Pipeline Management Academy Cohort

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is launching another cohort of the Talent Pipeline Management Academy May 7. This program provides business leaders, workforce professionals and employers with strategies to connect job seekers with necessary …

CMS Releases FY 2025 Proposed Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule April 3 to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Lown Institute-AHA Showdown: Does it Make a Difference?

“Last week, Lown Institute released its latest report about hospital charity care concluding “80% of all nonprofit hospitals’ charity care falls behind tax breaks” based on 2021 IRS data for 2425 NFP hospitals it analyzed. …

The hospital industry is big, influential, respected and important but it’s not invincible. Unflattering attention to hospital business practices is the new normal. …”

Paul Keckley, April 1, 2024

News to Know

The MHA is proud to have a robust set of educational and training opportunities available throughout the program year.

MHA Monday Report April 1, 2024

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

Washington DC capitol buildingMHA Comments on SUSTAIN 340B Discussion

The MHA submitted comments to U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Thune (R-SD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) on proposed changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The discussion draft …

Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program Available

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the upcoming Behavioral Health Loan Repayment program, offering up to $300,000 per award to repay educational debt. This program is offered as part of …

National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey: Response Requested

The CDC issued a National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey invitation to all U.S. blood collection centers and acute care hospitals that perform a minimum of 100 inpatient surgical procedures annually. The survey aims …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Importance of Children’s Health

The March edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), outlines the array of challenges children are facing and the responsibility to help children reach their potential. Hospital strategic plans …

MHA Podcast Explores Important Role Hospitals Play in Public Health

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast during National Public Health Week to explore how hospitals are engaged in public health. Featured guests include Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and senior vice …

MHA Rounds graphic with Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage

So began a letter dated March 10 from Xavier Becerra, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), referencing what is emerging as one of the most extensive and impactful cyberattacks in U.S. history. …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyIs Private Equity the Solution or the Problem in Healthcare?

“Of late, private equity investors in healthcare services have faced intense criticism that their business practices have compromised patient safety and raised costs for consumers. March 5, the FTC, DOJ and HHS announced the launch of an investigation into the inner workings of PE in healthcare. It comes on the heels of U.S. Senate investigations in their Finance, HELP and Budget Committees to explore legislative levers they might pull to address their growing concerns about affordability, competition and accountability in the industry. …

PE is part of healthcare’s solution to its poorly structured, perpetually inadequate and mal-distributed funding. But creating a level playing field through meaningful regulatory reform is necessary first. …”

Paul Keckley, March 25, 2024

News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the 2024 MHA Graduate Medical Education Capitol Day, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center.
  • Registration is open for the 2024 Michigan Maternal Infant Health Summit scheduled June 17-18 at the Lansing Center.