MHA CEO Report — Added Association Value

MHA Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEO

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” – Warren Buffet

MHA Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEOThe healthcare industry is a vital cornerstone of any community, providing essential medical services to people in times of need – not to mention our role as economic engines. Behind the scenes, there’s a complex network of organizations and associations dedicated to supporting healthcare providers and ensuring their success. Among these is the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), the leading advocate for hospitals and health systems throughout the state of Michigan.

While most people recognize the MHA’s visible and impactful role in the public policy arena, many are unaware of the comprehensive business services we also provide to our member organizations. Housed within our MHA Service Corporation, these services not only help hospitals and health systems to achieve their missions of providing high quality, cost-effective care to their communities, but they also generate revenue for our association – which in turn allows us to moderate the need for membership dues increases over the years.

Our business services include in-house offerings and carefully vetted and selected partnerships. All services have been curated to give hospitals and healthcare providers robust solutions and options. Examples of services available to hospitals and other providers include the MHA’s data services, unemployment compensation program, a robust endorsed business partner program and graphic design and print services.

The MHA first began work to develop a data bank in 1975, establishing our association as a credible resource for industry data. Data-driven decision-making is essential for healthcare organizations to deliver high-quality services efficiently. More than 500 healthcare entities nationwide now use MHA data products for a variety of purposes, including strategy development, community benefit tracking and improving safety and quality of care. By harnessing the power of data, hospitals and health systems can enhance patient outcomes, optimize workflows and ultimately reduce costs.

Our unemployment compensation program has an even longer history, having existed since 1972. Much like data services, it not only serves existing MHA members in Michigan, but nationally. Collectively, it processes thousands of unemployment claims for over 700 clients every year, saving clients millions of dollars annually. By participating in this program, member organizations can navigate the complexities of unemployment compensation more effectively, saving valuable time and resources. I’m pleased to share the program was once again recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) for the program’s commitment to utilizing the NASWA’s nationwide, web-based system for receiving new claims and responding to state unemployment agencies.

The MHA Graphic Design & Print Services division offers specialized print services, as we recognized the need to offer our members cost-effective printing solutions. The healthcare industry has a constant need for marketing materials, patient information brochures and administrative documents. This program has grown and now offers services for many organizations even outside of healthcare.

Our association has also expanded our ability to connect our member hospitals and health systems to companies that offer products and services tailored to the healthcare industry. Within the MHA Endorsed Business Partner Program, we rigorously review each potential company before endorsing a partner to ensure that they provide quality and valuable services to our membership. The MHA has the opportunity to be a liaison between our members and endorsed business partners, leveraging our events and relationships to make the right connections at the right time.

As you can see, our commitment to supporting hospitals and health systems goes well beyond advocacy and policy. By offering diverse business services, we empower healthcare organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. These additional services complement our existing efforts to improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities. Together, these initiatives contribute to the enhancement of healthcare excellence in Michigan, ensuring that the state’s healthcare providers can deliver the best possible care to their patients.

I can tell you that over the years, I have heard from countless clients of our various business services, who consistently praise the outstanding customer service and value-added work provided by our exceptional team. From my perspective, our success can be largely attributed to a commitment to build genuine, trusting relationships for the long haul.  And we will not allow those relationships – or our reputation – to be compromised in any way. If you are affiliated with a healthcare-related organization (and perhaps even if not), I would strongly encourage you to reach out and explore our ability to serve you and see this difference first-hand.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.

MHA Monday Report July 17, 2023

MHA Monday Report

MHA Service Corporation Board Highlights Solutions and Successes

The MHA Service Corporation board held its final meeting of the 2022-2023 program year focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of workforce sustainability, financial viability, achieving health equity and improving access …


capitol buildingGovernor Creates New Department to Support Workforce and Talent Development

The Michigan Legislature may be on summer recess but work in the state capitol continues. The governor made headlines the week of July 10 with the creation of a new state department, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement …


CMS Releases Proposed Rule to Update Home Health PPS

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the home health prospective payment system (PPS) for calendar year 2024. The proposed rule includes updates to the …


Webinar Series Explores AI, Resilience and Other Topics

The MHA and other state hospital associations are hosting a webinar series in partnership with the Huron Consulting Group Aug. 10 through Nov. 9 from 1 – 2 p.m. EST. The content will help registrants …


HHS Releases 340B Proposed Remedy

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released its proposed remedy for the unlawful payments cuts for certain hospitals that participate in the 340B drug discount program following the June 2022 unanimous Supreme …


Understanding Value-Based Payment Models Can Enhance Patient Care, Lower Costs

Over the last few decades, the healthcare industry has experienced a significant shift from fee-for-service  payments to value-based payments. Value-based care delivery models, which base payment on outcomes versus the number of services


MI care mattersMHA Podcast Explores Harmful Nurse Staffing Legislation

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. On episode 31, MHA CEO …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Five Most Important Questions Hospitals Must Answer in Planning for the Future

“As hospital leaders convene in Seattle this weekend for the American Hospital Association Leadership Summit, their future is uncertain.

Last week’s court decision in favor of hospitals shortchanged by the 340B drug program and 1st half 2023 improvement in operating margins notwithstanding, the deck is stacked against hospitals—some more than others. …

Most hospitals soldier on: they’re aware of these and responding as best they can. But most are necessarily focused only on the near-term: bed needs, workforce recruitment and staffing, procurement costs for drugs and supplies and so on. Some operate in markets less problematic than others, but the trends hold true directionally in every one of America’s 290 HRR markets. …“

Paul Keckley, July 10, 2023


Adam CarlsonMHA in the News

Michigan Advance published a story July 9 on the healthcare priorities included in the fiscal year 2024 state budget. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, is quoted multiple times in the story regarding funding …

MHA Service Corporation Board Highlights Solutions and Successes

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board held its final meeting of the 2022-2023 program year focused on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities of workforce sustainability, financial viability, achieving health equity and improving access and funding for behavioral health. Members are invited to review the July MHA CEO Report for more information on the association’s efforts to address these ongoing priorities.

The MHASC board celebrated the  2023 Outstanding Performance award given to the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program (MHA-UCP) by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. This award affirms the MHA-UCP’s dedicated work to reduce unemployment liability for its clients, decrease unemployment fraud and prevent waste with state unemployment agencies. The MHA-UCP has a large portfolio of healthcare employer clients throughout the country, including many MHA members. To learn more about the services available, members may contact Neil MacVicar at the MHA-UCP.

The board was joined by Kelsey Stevens, principal and senior consulting actuary, Wakely, for an overview of actuarial and risk management services for value-based payment arrangements and more. MHASC is planning to launch new Endorsed Business Partnerships in the coming weeks.

The MHASC board had several appointments and reappointments adding depth and breadth of expertise and welcomed new MHASC board members Melissa Holmquist, CEO, Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Marquette; Paul Karsten, CFO, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Grand Rapids; Peter Marinoff, south regional president, Munson Healthcare, Cadillac; and Scott McLean, managing director, Corewell Health Ventures, Grand Rapids. The board recognized David Leonard, JD, chief legal officer, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids and Southfield, and Dennis Smith, president, Dennis H. Smith Consulting, LLC, Marquette, for their service on the board ending this year. The board also affirmed the reappointments of Betty Chu, MD, chief quality officer, Henry Ford Health, Detroit; Brian Connolly, Connolly Associates, Rapid City; Brett Furst, founder & CEO, Foresight Ventures, Lake Orion; Marita Hattem-Schiffman, president & CEO, MyMichigan Health Central Region, Alma; and Chair Kent Riddle, CEO, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Grand Rapids.

The MHASC provides critical support to the MHA in the form of nondues revenue through its Data Services, Unemployment Compensation Program and Endorsed Business Partner program to address workforce, financial and other business needs. Visit the MHA Business Services webpage to learn more about resources available.

Questions regarding the MHASC Board should be directed to Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Feb. 20, 2023

MHA Monday Report

Innovative Solutions Explored by MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation board began its Feb. 8 meeting addressing current strategic priorities including exploring innovative solutions to support hospital financial viability, workforce restoration and wellbeing, behavioral health improvements, health equity and more. The board considered strategies to continue …


MHA Keystone Center and MVC Release Statewide Childbirth Outcomes Report

The MHA Keystone Center and the Michigan Value Collaborative (MVC) developed and released a statewide report Feb. 2 on birth outcomes following recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an effort to support maternal health …


Nominations Open for the 2023 Healthcare Leadership Award

The annual presentation of the MHA Healthcare Leadership Award honors those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within individual facilities and in their communities. Nominations for exceptional healthcare trustees, executives, physicians, nurses or other leaders for …


headphones with heart icon in middle.MHA Podcast Explores the Community Benefit of Rural Hospitals

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. On episode 26, Helen Johnson, …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleySOTU 2023 Takeaways for Healthcare: Surprises, Implications

“The spontaneous reaction to the President’s commentary on Medicare was the biggest surprise of the night! It’s especially significant as 2024 Presidential campaigns launch in the next 90 days (Haley this week) and Congress grapples with the debt ceiling and appropriations to Medicare, Veterans Health, Medicaid, pandemic preparedness and public health to name a few. ….”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 13, 2023


News to Know

The Michigan Society of Healthcare Risk Management is now accepting nominations for the Paul Venzke Award for Outstanding Performance in the field of Healthcare Risk Management. …


T. Anthony Denton.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Feb. 13 regarding challenges impacting hospital viability in Michigan and on a statement released by MHA CEO Brian Peters following the shooting Feb. 13 on the campus of Michigan State University …

Innovative Solutions Explored by MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board began its Feb. 8 meeting addressing current strategic priorities including exploring innovative solutions to support hospital financial viability, workforce restoration and wellbeing, behavioral health improvements, health equity and more. The board considered strategies to continue to diversify and increase opportunities to support members through potential products, business opportunities and Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) expertise. The board also recognized the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program for expanding its consultative approach to managing unemployment claims in Ohio, Idaho, New Mexico and more. The MHASC and MHA leadership teams will continue to evaluate the performance and availability of existing and potential endorsed services to ensure they align with the MHA strategic action plan.

MHA EBP Demand Workforce/Qodex presented to the board, outlining an innovative, on-demand mobile app that is transforming healthcare staffing by providing a simple, user-friendly platform that enables hospitals to fill open shifts quickly and efficiently. Members are invited to register for free webinars from 12 to 12:30 EST Feb. 22 and March 8 to learn more information.

In addition, the MHASC Board passed a resolution in honor of the upcoming retirement of longtime MHA Chief Operating Officer Peter Schonfeld and celebrated recent organizational changes to integrate business development and marketing support for both the MHA and MHASC, including the promotion of Ruthanne Sudderth to senior vice president and chief strategy officer. A lunch with the MHA and MHASC Board was jointly sponsored by partners from Merritt Hawkins, AMN Leadership Solutions and Demand Workforce/Qodex.

The MHASC provides critical support to the MHA and MHA members through its Data Services products, Unemployment Compensation Program and Endorsed Business Partner program to address workforce, financial and other operational needs.

Questions regarding the MHASC board should be directed to Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

MHA Board of Trustees Reviews State and Federal Advocacy Options to Further Strategic Priorities

The MHA Board of Trustees began its Feb. 8 meeting with a federal advocacy briefing from federal lobbyist Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs. Jackson highlighted the policy and funding threats and opportunities healthcare providers face under the new divided Congress and Biden administration, including possible provider cuts to address deficit reduction, programs affected by the expiration of the federal public health emergency declaration and ongoing pharmaceutical industry challenges to 340B drug pricing policies.

The board also examined several state advocacy initiatives to further the board’s strategic priorities focusing on financial viability, workforce wellbeing and restoration and the furtherance of efforts aimed at improving health equity and behavioral healthcare. The board supported pursing additional state funding for workforce security and pediatric psychiatric care, as well as an effort to maximize federal Medicaid matching funds. The board also directed the MHA to work with the MHA Health Equity Taskforce and the MHA Safety and Quality Committee to address health disparities through the development of tools for the transparent reporting of health equity performance measures.

In addition to advocacy efforts aimed at state and federal policymakers, the board continued to support the association’s ongoing partnerships with hospitals throughout the state to “tell our story” publicly about the challenges and opportunities healthcare organizations face and how hospitals can work together to advance the health of individuals and communities.

The board also received a report from the MHA Service Corporation, which included a spotlight of Endorsed Business Partner Merritt Hawkins, as well as a discussion of staff succession in light of the upcoming retirement of longtime Chief Operating Officer Peter Schonfeld at the MHA.

The board concluded with regional hospital council reports and an update from MHA CEO Brian Peters.

For more information about actions of the MHA Board of Trustees, contact Amy Barkholz at the MHA.

CE Credits Available for Unionization and Legal Guidelines Webinar

The webinar Dispelling Misinformation About Unionization and Legal Guidelines 8:30 – 10 a.m. ET Nov. 11 has been approved by HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) for 1.5 hours. The webinar will outline:

  • Understanding how recent dynamics, including the COVID-19 crisis and worker shortages, have increased healthcare industry’s vulnerability to union organizing.
  • Exploring current trends and tactics unions use to recruit healthcare employees.
  • Identifying strategies that boost employee engagement.
  • How to properly identify and respond to protected concerted activity.
  • How to navigate evolving rules from the National Relations Labor Board, including those applicable to social media.
  • Tips and guidelines for leaders in response to a union or other protected concerted activity.

Sponsored by the MHA Service Corporation Unemployment Compensation Program and the Miller Johnson law firm, the webinar is offered free of charge. Human resource executives and professionals, chief nurse executives and legal counsel are encouraged to register.

Details about the HR Certification Institute® credits are on the registration page. Members with questions should contact Erin Steward at the MHA.

 

MHA Monday Report Oct. 24, 2022

MHA Monday Report

Trustee Forum Converts to Virtual

To expand access to critical information and discussion about the MHA’s 2022-2023 program year’s strategic action plan, the MHA Trustee Member Forum on Nov. 2 will be offered in a virtual format rather than in …


Crain’s Healthcare Leadership Summit Features MHA and Hospital Leaders

The Oct. 20 Crain’s 2022 Healthcare Leadership Summit featured speakers from the MHA and member hospitals in a series of panels on policy issues, labor force solutions and technology integration….

 


Strategic Action Planning Session with MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities at the Oct. 13 planning session including addressing financial viability, workforce restoration & wellbeing, behavioral health improvements, health equity and …


MHA Podcast Details Upcoming Election

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 …


Recording Available for MHA Strategic Action Plan Review

The MHA hosted a virtual forum Oct. 18 reviewing the Strategic Action Plan that was approved by the MHA Board of Trustees in August. The forum discussed pressing challenges and opportunities facing healthcare, including workforce development …


MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Attorney General

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background …

 


Paul KeckleyThe Keckley Report

The Lame Duck Session of Congress Will Not Be Lame for Healthcare

“Mid-mid-term election day is 22 days away. The “official end” of the Covid public health emergency has been delayed to January 11. The Federal Reserve is expected to increase its borrowing rate for the sixth time this year at its November meeting as it attempts to slow inflation and the stock market is under-water as year-end approaches. Regardless of the mid-term outcome and the state of the economy, healthcare will be prominent in the upcoming lame-duck Congress…”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 17, 2022


News to KnowLogo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

  • The last day to register online to vote in the Nov. 8 election is Oct. 24, 2022.
  • The second gubernatorial debate is this Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. on the Oakland University campus between Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican candidate Tudor Dixon.
  • Early in-person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available.
  • Complimentary MI Vote Matters informational posters and the 2022 Candidate Guide are still available for MHA members.

 


MHA CEO Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage on through a couple stories during the week of Oct. 17, including on the introduction of the Stop Nurse Shortages Act at the federal level and the latest MiCare Champion …

 

Strategic Action Planning Session with MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities at the Oct. 13 planning session including addressing financial viability, workforce restoration & wellbeing, behavioral health improvements, health equity and more. The board considered strategies to support trends of redesigning patient care through innovation, technology and workforce partnerships. In these areas, the board stressed the importance of focusing on the mission of healthcare organizations to advance the health of patients and communities and explaining the challenges healthcare providers face in achieving this mission with specific examples.

The MHASC board engaged in a robust discussion about workforce challenges and services to assist MHA members. MHASC leadership will continue to identify and enhance new endorsed business partners with programs and services that promote and strengthen association workforce priorities including violence prevention, coaching/development, well-being, recruitment, retention, temporary/permanent staffing and redesigning care.

In addition, the MHASC Board passed a resolution during the meeting that places the board in alignment with the commitment made by the MHA Board of Trustees during their Nov. 4, 2020 Board Meeting to lead by example in addressing systemic racism and health inequities in our communities. The MHASC board also celebrated the continuing expansion of the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program into other states to offer high-quality human resources support in this area to members and other clients.

The MHASC provides critical support to the MHA in the form of nondues revenue through its Data Services, Unemployment Compensation Program and Endorsed Business Partner program to address workforce, financial and other operational needs. Visit the MHA Business Services webpage to learn more about resources available.

Questions regarding the MHASC Board should be directed to Peter Schonfeld at the MHA.

Webinar Dispels Misinformation About Unionization and Outline Legal Guidelines

Healthcare workforce shortages, particularly nursing shortages, are severely hindering the ability to provide patient-centered care. Unionizing to negotiate for policies like staffing ratios is popular but does not consider the complexity of significant workforce shortages. As healthcare leaders face an environment where clinicians are experiencing burnout, leaders must understand collaboration strategies that improve organizational stability and patient outcomes.

The Dispelling Misinformation About Unionization and Legal Guidelines webinar will outline several topics related to the healthcare workforce and unionization. Topics will include how recent dynamics such as the COVID-19 crisis and worker shortages have increased the healthcare industry’s vulnerability to union organizing, current trends and tactics unions use to recruit healthcare employees, evolving rules from the National Relations Labor Board, including those applicable to social media, and other tips and guidelines for leaders responding to a union or other protected concerted activity.

The webinar is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET Nov. 11. Sponsored by the MHA Service Corporation Unemployment Compensation Program and Miller Johnson, it is offered free of charge. Human resource executives and professionals and chief nurse executives are encouraged to register.

Members with questions should contact Erin Steward at the MHA.