Tag: News to Know

MHA Monday Report Nov. 6, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHealthcare Worker Protections Headed to Governor

Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the state House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 30. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare …

Michigan Hospitals Invested $784 Million in Community and Voluntary-based Activities to Improve Health, Well-being of Residents

New report outlines hospital community health efforts in FY 2021  The Michigan Health & Hospital Association released today the Making a Difference in Our Communities report that highlights how hospitals invested more than $784 …

Beyfortus Supply Shortages & CDC Guidelines

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract disease in infants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2023. The MHA has …

speak upC.S. Mott Children’s Hospital MRI Technologist Receives Speak-up! Award

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association Keystone Center a Dragan Spremo at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award on Oct 23. The MHA Keystone Center …

Registration Open for Virtual DEI Certificate Program

Registration is open for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare certificate program offered Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. The event, hosted by the Michigan Health & Hospital …

HHS Submits Information Blocking Disincentives Proposed Rule

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently submitted a proposed rule outlining penalties providers would face if they do not appropriately share patient data as outlined in the 21st Century Cures Act. …

MDHHS Launches Opioid Settlement Spending Webpage

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently published a webpage to track the allocation of $800 million received for opioid settlement investments. MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Baghdasarian indicated the website …

MHA Launches New Governance Affinity Group

Hospitals and health systems face significant adversity, yet Michigan providers continue to provide high quality and accessible healthcare to their communities, in great part because of governing boards, executives and staff leadership. Board and committee …

MHA CEO Report — Registration is Representation

As we have discussed in these monthly reports in the past, I am incredibly proud that the MHA is committed to the health equity journey, which once again has been identified by the MHA Board of Trustees as …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleySix Majority Beliefs about the U.S. Health System Compromise its Value Proposition

“As news cycles go, this one was standard fare for healthcare: with the exception of business plan announcements by organizations or as elements of tragedies like Lewiston, Gaza or a pandemic, the business of the health system—how it operates is largely uncovered and often subject to misinformation or disinformation. …

In the next 3 weeks, attention will be on the federal budget: healthcare will be in the background unless temporarily an element of a mass tragedy. Each trade group will tout its accomplishments to regulators and pimp their advocacy punch list. Each company will gin-out news releases and commentary about the future of the system will default to think tanks and focused on a single issue of interest.

That’s the problem. In this era of social media, polarization, and mass transparency, these old ways of communicating no longer work. Left unattended, they undermine the value proposition on which the U.S. system is based.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 30, 2023

News to Know

  • The MHA will host a virtual member from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 to outline the MHA 2023 – 2024 strategic action plan approved by the MHA Board of Trustees.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released an updated 2024 Medicare & You Handbook which provides information for patients regarding traditional Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage and more.

News to Know – Nov. 6, 2023

Member News
  • The MHA will host a virtual member from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 to outline the MHA 2023 – 2024 strategic action plan approved by the MHA Board of Trustees.The forum will review the priorities and tactics to accomplish goals and how the membership can support these initiatives along with presentations from MHA CEO Brian Peters and other MHA leaders. There is no cost to attend, but members are asked to register by Nov. 7. Access information for the virtual session will be sent Nov. 8. Questions about the member forum can be directed to  at the MHA.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released an updated 2024 Medicare & You Handbook which provides information for patients regarding traditional Medicare, Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage and more. Members with questions may contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 30, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHealthcare Worker Protections Pass State Senate

Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the Michigan Senate in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 23. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional …

Strategic Action Planning Session with MHA Service Corporation Board

The MHA Service Corporation board focused on supporting MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support and innovation, viability, behavioral health improvement, health equity and more during their Oct. 18 planning session. The …

MDHHS Proposes 340B Billing and Reporting Changes

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to modify hospital outpatient billing requirements for drugs purchased through the 340B drug pricing program. Existing policy requires 340B hospitals to …

Clinician Q & A: Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Pregnancy and infant loss tragically impacts individuals and families at all walks of life across the state and country. While every case is different, this is often a result of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, neonatal …

Patient Safety: A Case-based Innovative Playbook for Safer Care Published

Patient Safety: A Case-based Innovative Playbook for Safer Care (Second Edition) is a recently published book that serves as a must-read resource for those seeking to enhance patient care and create a culture of safety …

MHA Strategic Action Plan to be Reviewed Nov. 9

In the new program year, the MHA is focused on several critical issues like viability, workforce resilience and wellbeing, behavioral health and health equity.   The MHA will host a virtual member from 2 to …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyAre Employers Ready to Engage the Health Industry Head On?

“Last week, Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released its Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey which included a surprise:

The average annual single premium and the average annual family premium each increased by 7% over the last year. …

My take: these findings show that employers are not prone to drastic changes in health benefits for their employees despite recognition it is expensive and unaffordable to small companies and for many of their own employees.  But many large self-insured employers (except those in government, education and healthcare) are poised to make significant changes next year. They recognize themselves as the primary source of profits enjoyed by insurers, hospitals, physicians, drug companies and others.  They’re developing multi-year at risk direct contracts, value-based purchasing arrangements, primary care gatekeeping, narrow networks, restricted formularies, alternative care models and more to that leverage their clout. They’re going on offense. …”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 23, 2023

News to Know

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced the 2024 Medicare Parts A & B amount for deductibles, coinsurance, premiums and the Part D income-related monthly adjustments.
  • The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing is accepting requests for funding proposals for new or ongoing programs and interventions that work to eliminate racism in nursing.

MHA in the News

MHA Monday Report Oct. 23, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingProtections for Healthcare Workers, Auto No-fault Bills Move in Michigan Legislature

Multiple bills monitored by the MHA moved in the Michigan Legislature during the week of Oct. 16. Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was unanimously voted out of the Senate Civil Rights, …

Going PRO Talent Fund Applications Due Oct. 27

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity opened the first application cycle for the Going PRO Talent Fund program Oct. 9. Michigan employers can now apply for a share of $50 million in competitive …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Focuses on Equity for Women and Native Americans

The October edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), focuses on health equity for women and Native Americans. Trustees should prioritize addressing the distinct needs of women for several …

A Holistic Approach to Workforce Management

Health systems and healthcare organizations are adapting to challenges posed by staffing shortages and a multigenerational workforce. The most successful facilities are taking a holistic approach by discarding staffing models of the past and embracing …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyU.S. Healthcare’s Existential Threat: Loss of Public Trust

“U.S. healthcare faces an existential threat: the loss of confidence and trust that the system is fair and more concerned about its profit than patient care. …

Studies show the erosion of public confidence and trust in the health system correlates to higher costs and suboptimal outcomes: when an individual thinks a clinician’s judgement might be clouded by a financial incentive, a hospital or drug price excessive and the provider prone to price gauging, or an insurer’s coverage determination arbitrary, doubt takes hold and trust plummets. …

The system issues are systemic and complicated. And no sector is capable of solving them alone: it requires all to collaborate based on a shared vision of its future but that vision does not exist. Until and unless a shared vision of the future of the U.S. health system is created, confidence and trust in the system will continue to erode and options for its future severely limited.” …

Paul Keckley, Oct. 16, 2023

T. Anthony Denton.

News to Know

Modern Healthcare recognized Tony Denton, senior vice president and chief environmental, social and governance officer, Michigan Medicine, as a 2023 Diversity Leader to Watch on Oct. 16.

 

MHA EVP Laura Appel discusses auto no-fault legislation with the Michigan Business Network.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 16 regarding auto no-fault legislation passed in the Michigan Senate and nurse staffing ratio legislation. The coverage is based on interviews conducted with MHA CEO Brian …

News to Know – Oct. 9, 2023

Member News

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. VativoRx’s unwavering commitment to data integrity, compliance and security creates the core of their services, ensuring all transactions and interactions adhere to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. VativoRx is more than just a service provider; they are a dedicated partner in operational excellence and financial health, proudly servicing the healthcare community in Michigan. Their comprehensive approach enables healthcare facilities to maximize rebate revenue and realize significant financial benefits, demonstrating their enduring commitment to delivering unparalleled value and tangible results.

News to Know – Oct. 2, 2023

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will implement a wage increase beginning Oct. 1 for direct care workers in MI Choice Waiver, MI Health Link and Behavioral Health programs. This will provide an additional $0.85 per hour increase in direct care worker (DCW) base wages, supplementing the $2.35 per hour increase previously appropriated. The total increase of $3.20 per hour must be applied to DCW wages, including administrative time and overtime. Members may refer to L 23-64 for more information. Members with questions may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

News to Know – Sept. 25, 2023

Member News
  • To help Medicaid beneficiaries with the renewal process, a redetermination event is being hosted by the Salvation Army Great Lakes Harbor Light System in Grand Rapids, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat, Sept. 30. During the event, beneficiaries will learn about when they need to renew their coverage, receive on-site help with completing renewal paperwork and get guidance on next steps.
  • Registration for the Root Cause Coalition National Summit on Social Determinants of Health is open. Population health, health equity and community-based organization leaders from across the nation will convene Dec. 3-5, 2023 to discuss, learn and share strategies to impact social determinants of health. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of price points and are designed to position your organization as a change leader in health improvement and equity. Members with questions about The Root Cause Coalition may contact Erin Steward at the MHA.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s Dick Davidson NOVA Award. The award celebrates the collaborative work of hospitals and community organizations that improve the health status of individuals and communities. This annual award will honor five organizations, who will be recognized at the 2024 AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego. Members are encouraged to apply by Nov. 13. Members with questions may email nova@aha.org.

News to Know – Sept. 18, 2023

Member News

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s Dick Davidson NOVA Award. The award celebrates the collaborative work of hospitals and community organizations that improve the health status of individuals and communities. This annual award will honor five organizations, who will be recognized at the 2024 AHA Leadership Summit in San Diego. Members are encouraged to apply by Nov. 13. Members with questions may email nova@aha.org.

News to Know – Aug. 28, 2023

Member News
  • Recognized during the MHA Annual Meeting, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) was presented with the MHA Meritorious Service Award this past week for her decades of leadership in elected office supporting healthcare.
  • The MHA encourages MHA chief nursing officers and other Michigan hospital leaders to register for Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing to discuss the substantial harm that proposed legislation mandating registered nurse staffing ratios would have on patient access to care, and real solutions to train and hire more nurses.Questions about registration may be directed to Meghan Protz-Sanders at the MHA. Please contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA for any further details or questions.

News to Know – Aug. 21, 2023

Member News
  • Amid the recent coverage of the Maui, Hawaii wildfires, families, including healthcare professionals, have suffered home losses due to the fires. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii has compiled a list of trustworthy local organizations that are accepting monetary contributions to provide support during this challenging period. Members are urged to spread the word and contribute to the following recommended organizations:
  • The MHA encourages MHA chief nursing officers and other Michigan hospital leaders to register for Hospitals for Patient Access Advocacy Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing to discuss the substantial harm that proposed legislation mandating registered nurse staffing ratios would have on patient access to care, and real solutions to train and hire more nurses.Questions about registration may be directed to Meghan Protz-Sanders at the MHA. Please contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA for any further details or questions.
  • QURE Healthcare was approved for associate membership June 2023. Unwarranted clinical variation causes unnecessary costs and leads to suboptimal outcomes for patients. By standardizing care in a way that is welcomed by clinicians, quality is improved, and care is delivered more cost-effectively. Using QURE’s Evidence-Based Patient Simulations, QURE has helped clinicians rapidly reduce their practice variation in both acute and ambulatory care settings. QURE’s scientifically validated patient case simulations measure clinical practice against evidence-based guidelines and provide clinicians with immediate and personalized feedback. QURE also have numerous case studies and published results showing how they have helped provider groups save costs and improve quality.