MiCare Champion Podcast - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

MHA Monday Report Oct. 16, 2023

October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 Monday Report

First Legislative Policy Panel Meeting New Program Year

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met Oct. 11 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting focused on state legislative updates for the new members of …

Auto No-Fault Hearings Continue, Interstate Compacts Advance

The Michigan Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee continued to hear testimony during the week of Oct. 9 on Senate Bills 530 and 531. Introduced by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and Sen. Sarah …

ANA-MI Opposes Mandated Nurse Staffing Ratio Legislation

The American Nurses Association – Michigan (ANA-Michigan) publicly announced their opposition Oct. 11 to Senate Bill 334 and House Bill 4550, which require state mandated ratios for hospital nurses. The ANA-MI joins the MHA and …

DEA Plans to Extend Telemedicine Rules for Controlled Substances Through 2024

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced pandemic-era rules allowing controlled substances to be prescribed via telemedicine will be extended through Dec. 31, 2024. This extension follows significant opposition to the DEA’s plan to curtail these …

MHA Keystone Center 2022-2023 Annual Report Highlights Quality and Safety Priorities

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2022-2023 Annual Report, showcasing its dedication to advancing patient and workforce safety alongside member organizations. The report highlights the healthcare safety and quality improvements made through MHA Keystone Center-led …

MHA to Host Virtual DEI Certificate Program

Save the date for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare certificate program scheduled for Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. The event, hosted by the MHA and other …

MiCARE Project Discontinued

The Michigan Care Access Referral Exchange (MiCARE), hosted by Bamboo Health’s OpenBeds solution, will be discontinued effective Oct. 31, 2023. The goal of MiCARE was to create a comprehensive network of behavioral health treatment providers, …

MHA Podcast Covers Program Year Priorities: Behavioral Health, Workforce Restoration, Health Equity and More

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. The October 2023 episode, …

The Keckley Report

As HLTH 2023 Convenes, Three Themes speak Volumes about Where U.S, Healthcare is Headed

“In Las Vegas this week, 10,000 healthcare entrepreneurs, investors, purchasers and industry onlookers are gathered to celebrate the business of U.S. healthcare. It follows the inaugural Nashville Healthcare Sessions last month that drew a crowd to Music City touting “the premier healthcare conference set in the most relevant, exciting, and welcoming city in the south.“ …

The root causes of the system’s poor performance are understood and considered: they’re daunting. But that does not impede the willingness of private investors to make bets presuming the future of the U.S. healthcare is not a repeat of its past.“

Paul Keckley, Oct. 9, 2023

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 9 on rural healthcare challenges and legislation proposing state mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. The Detroit Free Press published an article Oct. 12 on the closure of …

MHA Podcast Covers Program Year Priorities: Behavioral Health, Workforce Restoration, Health Equity and More

October 11, 2023October 12, 2023 Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The October 2023 episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA Board Chair Shannon Striebich, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan. Peters and Striebich explore what priorities are top of mind for the MHA Board, what workforce challenges are impacting Michigan hospitals, and what behavioral health efforts are underway at Trinity Health.

During the episode, Striebich shares details about the Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition (WWSPC), a community-based program focused on preventing youth suicides that was recognized as a 2023 Ludwig Community Benefit Award winner. The initiative offers thousands of young people the opportunity to be screened for mental health concerns, recognize suicide risk in themselves and others, obtain knowledge and skills to address factors that contribute to mental health problems and receive treatment as needed.

Peters and Striebich also discuss the potential impact recent nurse staffing legislation could have on Michigan patients’ access to care, the role public policy plays in the work of hospitals, financial viability, advancements in telehealth, health equity efforts, and more.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 9, 2023

October 9, 2023October 6, 2023 Monday Report

Healthcare Legislative Activity Includes Hearings on Auto No-Fault

Healthcare legislative activity in the Michigan Legislature included hearings on auto no-fault and several other bills during the week of Oct. 2. The Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee held their first hearing on Senate Bills (SBs) 530 and …

Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Eligibility Expands

The temporary expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to individuals between the ages of 21 and 24 occurred the week of Oct. 2. Funding passed in the fiscal year 2024 state budget allowed for the program to temporarily expand eligibility …

BSC Implements New Electronic Document Sharing Program: Egress

The Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) serves as the state survey agency for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, conducting federal certifications and investigating specific complaints at Michigan healthcare facilities. During surveys, BSC …

The Keckley Report

For Healthcare, the Debt Limit and Possible Shutdown Further a Shift away from its Status Quo

“What’s clear is that every sector in healthcare will be subject to scrutiny through an uncomfortable lens—the consumer. Prices matter. Service matters. Integrity matters. Transparency matters. Ownership matters. Purpose matters. And whether accurate or not, fair or not, comfortable or not, information accessible to consumers is readily accessible.

The shutdown over the debt limit might happen or be diverted. What will not be diverted is growing discontent with the medical system that the majority of consumers believe wasteful, expensive and self-serving. How the status quo is impacted is anyone’s guess, but it’s a good bet its future is not a cut-and-paste version of its past. …”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 2, 2023

News to Know

New MHA associate member VativoRx has been a leader in the rebate management space for over eight years, specializing in providing innovative drug rebate management solutions and uncovering new revenue sources for medications administered within healthcare facilities.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 2 regarding auto no-fault legislation introduced in the Michigan Legislature and nurse staffing ratio legislation. The coverage is based on interviews conducted with MHA CEO Brian …

MHA Podcast Highlights National Recovery Month, Resources in Hospital Emergency Departments

September 15, 2023September 19, 2023 Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

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

The episode airs during National Recovery Month. Over the last decade, opioid use disorder (OUD) has risen exponentially across the state and country, impacting people at all walks of life, across all communities, and worsening existing health disparities and inequities.

In the episode, Michelle Norcross, MSA, senior director of safety and quality at the MHA Keystone Center and Marissa Natzke, senior project manager of health and human services at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), discuss one of the tools that continues to impactful in this space: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). This pathway to recovery involves medications that relieve withdrawal symptoms and substance cravings. In many cases, MOUD treatment is paired with interventions like counseling or peer support so that a person is able to address the social and psychological factors that influence recovery.

Throughout the episode, Norcross and Natzke share details about an innovative partnership between the MHA Keystone Center and CFSEM that brings MOUD programming to hospital emergency departments (EDs). They discuss what this path to recovery looks like specifically, along with the strong, positive impact ED MOUD programming is having on OUD patients in Michigan hospitals.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. To learn more about ED MOUD programming, visit the CFSEM website. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, visit Michigan.gov/opioids or call the SAMSHA National Hotline, a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year, treatment referral hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

MHA Monday Report July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023July 14, 2023 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 …

Governor 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

MHA 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

The 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 1^st 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

MHA 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 Podcast Explores Harmful Nurse Staffing Legislation

July 14, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

Kim Meeker, RN, BSN, MBA, president of the Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL).

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 Brian Peters and Kim Meeker, RN, BSN, MBA, president of the Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL), discuss a recent package of bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature that could severely harm hospitals and access to patient care, if passed.

Senate Bills 334 – 336 and House Bills 4550 – 4552 propose a one-size-fits-all nurse ratio staffing mandate. In a recent joint statement, the MHA and MONL noted how this approach would limit the number of patients receiving hospital care at any one time and services hospitals can offer to their communities, prolong the time it takes for a patient to receive care and hinder many hospital’s ability to respond to a crisis in fear of violating Michigan law.

Throughout the episode, Peters and Meeker explain exactly what this could look like for Michigan nurses and patients while addressing false claims that the bills will help nursing shortages in Michigan – noting more effective solutions, including:

Michigan joining the national Nurse Licensure Compact to reduce barriers for out-of-state nurses to move to and practice in Michigan immediately.
Increasing eligibility for Michigan Reconnect by lowering the age requirement to 18 and older.
Expanding Michigan Reconnect availability to include 4-year institutions.
Increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers.

The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Those interested in learning more or connecting with local lawmakers on this issue are encouraged to visit the MHA’s Legislative Action Center.

Note: Each interview in this episode was recorded prior to the passing of the legislative fiscal year 2024 state budget. To see MHA CEO Brian Peters statement on new healthcare funding, visit the MHA Newsroom. Additional resources mentioned include the MHA Keystone Center and Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality WellB program and the MI Hospital Careers webpage.

The MiCare Champion Cast is part of the statewide #MiCareMatters campaign, launched in 2017, which aims to build a network of citizens — “MiCare Champions” — who will be called upon to engage in advocacy efforts to protect access to affordable healthcare services in Michigan. Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report July 10, 2023

July 10, 2023July 7, 2023 Monday Report

MHA Board of Trustees Holds Final Meeting of Program Year

The MHA Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the 2022-2023 program year in conjunction with the MHA Annual Membership Meeting. As part of a standing agenda item focused on safety and quality lessons …

Policy Bills Advanced During Budget Week

Many MHA-tracked bills saw movement during the last week of June, with both the House and Senate taking floor votes on legislation before they broke for the summer. In the House, representatives voted in support …

Health & Hospital Association Elects 2023-2024 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 29. Officers of the 2023-2024 MHA Board of Trustees include Shannon Striebich, …

Healthcare Advocates Honored with MHA Special Recognition Award

The MHA announced two winners of its Special Recognition Award during the Annual Membership Meeting June 29, recognizing them for extensive contributions to healthcare. Each of the winners has uniquely influenced healthcare in Michigan. The …

MHA Meritorious Service Award Recognizes Sen. Stabenow

The MHA announced the 2023 winner of its highest achievement award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 29. Receiving the award for her decades of leadership in elected office supporting healthcare is U.S. Senator …

Hospital Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

The MHA announced the winners of its 2023 Healthcare Leadership Award during its Annual Membership Meeting June 29. 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 2023 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 29. The honorees include programs supported by Detroit-based Henry Ford Health; Trinity Health Livonia; and ProMedica …

Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital Receives MHA Advancing Safe Care Award

The MHA announced the winner of its 2023 Advancing Safe Care Award June 29 honoring the dedicated team at Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital in Ferndale. The award was announced during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting. …

MDHHS Issues Updated MI-POST Form

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new Michigan Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (MI-POST) form. The MI-POST form is available in Spanish, Arabic and English. This update was made …

MHA Podcast Explores Michigan Health Policy Priorities feat. Rep. Julie Rogers

MHA CEO Report — The Story of the MHA Program Year

The theme of the 2022-2023 MHA program year was telling our story. With focus and passion, we told the stories of our hospitals and health systems, the challenges and adversity they face, and how they still provide high quality and accessible healthcare to their communities. …

The Keckley Report

SCOTUS Decisions open a Can of Worms for Healthcare

“Five recent Supreme Court rulings have reset the context for U.S. jurisprudence for years to come and open a can of worms for healthcare operators. …

Each of these is specific to a circumstance but collectively they expose industries like healthcare to greater compliance risk, potential court challenges and operational complexity.

Paul Keckley, July 3, 2023

News to Know

The MHA submitted a comment letter in response to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Medicaid Policy Bulletin (MMP) 23-39 on Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities issued May 30, 2023.
Michigan Medicaid Provider Outreach and Provider Support invite new or currently enrolled doula providers to attend the upcoming Doula 101 webinar scheduled Aug. 2 from 1 – 2 p.m. or Aug. 9 from 10 – 11 a.m. ET.
MDHHS issued MMP 23-45, Change in Non-Routine Therapy Prior Authorization Requirements for Medicaid Beneficiaries Residing in a Nursing Facility, June 30 with an effective date of Aug. 1, 2023.
The MHA and the Huron Consulting Group are hosting the webinar How AI @ Work Will Advance Human Intelligence Aug. 10 from 1 – 2 p.m.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 26 regarding the state budget, the healthcare workforce and auto no-fault utilization review. MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in multiple stories. Below is a collection …

MHA Podcast Explores Michigan Health Policy Priorities feat. Rep. Julie Rogers

July 6, 2023August 23, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

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.

State Representative Julie Rogers

On episode 30, State Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, discuss current health policy priorities impacting Michigan hospitals, patients and communities. The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Rep. Rogers is serving her second term representing Michigan’s 41^st House District, which includes portions of Kalamazoo, Portage and Comstock township. She’s a practicing physical therapist and a champion of public health, previously serving on the National Association of Counties Health Steering Committee for seven years and now as chair of House Committee on Health Policy. Rogers also serves as a member of many committees within the house and co-chairs the Biosciences Legislative Caucus.

Throughout the episode, Rogers and Appel cover the impact health policy has had on issues like Michigan’s Medicaid work requirements within the Healthy Michigan Plan, preventative health, auto no-fault, ongoing workforce shortages, and more.

“We have about 208,000 people who work in our hospitals,” notes Appel. “We need another 27,000 more…nearly 8,500 nurses. We’re short over 4,000 technicians – the people who help out in the pharmacy, lab technicians, patient care techs – we also need people who contribute to operations.”

Those interested in learning more about how to get involved in healthcare advocacy or how to engage with local lawmakers on issues such as nurse staffing, 340B, auto no-fault, etc. can visit the issues and advocacy webpage and/or the MHA Legislative Action Center. Those looking to pursue a career in healthcare are encouraged to visit the Hospital Careers website.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Explores How Michigan Leaders Can Collaborate to Address Gaps in Behavioral Health

May 1, 2023August 30, 2023 MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

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 29, State Representative Graham Filler and Dr. Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and Senior Vice President of Inpatient & Retail Pharmacy for ProMedica Health System kick off Mental Health Awareness Month discussing how lawmakers, healthcare leaders and the community can work together to address gaps in the state’s behavioral healthcare system.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Additional state behavioral health resources can be found through the Mental Health Association of Michigan and the Children’s Hospital Association. As mentioned in the episode, the MHA issued a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2023 state budget with the goal to increase the number of beds available to care for pediatric psychiatric patients requiring inpatient hospitalization. Applications are due to the MHA by 11:59 p.m. on June 1.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Covers Patient Safety Awareness Week feat. The MHA Keystone Center

March 10, 2023August 24, 2023 Member News, Patient Safety and Quality, MiCare Champion Cast

Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center.

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 27, Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center, joins during Patient Safety Awareness Week to provide a refresh on the work of the patient safety organization (PSO) along with resources that are available to Michigan hospitals and health systems through the Keystone Center.

In the episode, Novak shares details of the upcoming Keystone Center Safe Patient Mobility and Handling Conference, a free event on April 13 that will provide participants with a better understanding of how caregiver and patient safety are connected. As he shares, participants will view live simulations demonstrating best practices for patient handling and discuss how to avoid care activities that cause caregiver injury and compromise quality of care. Risk and safety officers, physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and worker’s compensation staff are encouraged to register.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

The Keckley Report

The Keckley Report

The Keckley Report

Michigan Health & Hospital Association

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