Tag: patient safety

House Health Policy Hears Testimony on Behavioral Health Transport Legislation

Member News

Legislation addressing behavioral health transport received testimony in the House Health Policy Committee during the week of June 15, while other key healthcare bills advanced in the legislature.

Kyle Hoffmaster, director of patient access, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, testifies before the House Health Policy Committee in support of legislation establishing a licensure framework for behavioral health transportation services in Michigan.

House Bills (HB) 5943–5944, sponsored by Reps. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) and Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), received a hearing before the House Health Policy Committee. The bills would establish a licensure framework for behavioral health transportation services in Michigan and require Medicaid coverage for those services. Kyle Hoffmaster, director of patient access, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, testified on behalf of hospitals and discussed how behavioral health transport services reduce patient wait times and provide a safe, secure alternative for transporting individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Kelsey Ostergren, senior director, health policy, MHA, also testified before the committee and emphasized that the legislation would expand access to care, while generating significant Medicaid savings. The MHA looks forward to the House Health Policy Committee advancing this legislation.

The House Health Policy Committee also considered HBs 5728–5738, which would relieve hospitals of administratively burdensome and duplicative requirements for substance use disorder program licensure. The MHA supports this legislation. The committee also voted unanimously to advance several bipartisan bills addressing medical debt. HBs 5254–5255 and 6071–6073, along with Senate Bills (SB) 449–451 and SBs 701–702, are companion measures that would codify hospital financial assistance programs (FAPs), establish reporting requirements for FAP benefits and prohibit medical debt from being reported to credit bureaus. The legislation would also modify medical debt collection practices, including restrictions on the sale of medical debt and limits on interest charges. These bills have now been referred to the House floor for further consideration.

The House Rules Committee voted to advance HB 4864, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), which would revise the definition of elevated blood lead levels for lead abatement purposes. The Senate Health Policy Committee also approved SB 1011, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). The bill would create a small-business health pool, allowing employers with 500 or fewer employees to establish state-regulated multiple-employer welfare arrangements that provide health coverage for eligible employees and self-employed individuals.

Lastly, the Michigan Senate passed SBs 973–978, led by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), which would create a state-based health insurance exchange in Michigan. The bills would allow the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to seek a federal waiver to establish the exchange and maintain contracts with participating health plans. The MHA supports HB 4864, SB 1011 and SBs 973-977.

Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.

Trinity Health Michigan Team Members Recognized with MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center recognized Camryn Smith and Alicia Evans, medical assistants at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipients.

Camryn Smith and Alicia Evans, medical assistants at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, at the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award presentation.

The Speak-up! Award honors individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to preventing harm to patients or staff. Smith and Evans were recognized for speaking up – and jumping into action – after Smith detected an abnormal blood pressure reading while performing a stitch removal.

“Some of the most powerful acts of courage and leadership come from those early in their career,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “The work of the Trinity Health IHA Medical Group team is a strong reminder that every voice matters when it comes to enhancing patient safety. It also underlines the importance of establishing a culture where speaking up is encouraged and supported.”

Upon realizing the patient’s blood pressure results seemed inconsistent using automated equipment, Evans, a medical assistant intern at the time, asked Smith for assistance with a manual pulse check. The two soon learned that the patient’s heart rate was dangerously low and promptly notified an attending provider to further assess the situation.

It was discovered through an electrocardiogram (EKG) that the patient was experiencing an episode of atrial fibrillation (AFib). As a result of Smith and Evans’ prompt attention to detail, the individual was safely transferred to the emergency department for further treatment.

“Camryn and Alicia listened to their instincts and worked together to ensure timely, lifesaving intervention,” said Cindy Elliott, president of Trinity Health Michigan Medical Groups. “Stories like this reinforce our mission and commitment to delivering safe, exceptional care.”

More information about the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, is available online.

MHA Reinforces Evidence-Based Vaccination Guidelines

Member News

The MHA is strengthening its commitment to evidence-based immunization practices under the guidance of the MHA Healthcare and Public Health Integration Council and chief medical and nursing leaders. Efforts include distributing educational resources, reaffirming alignment with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommendations and releasing a public statement.

Gary Roth, DO, MBA, FACOS, FCCM, FACS, chief medical officer, MHA issued a media statement Feb. 4 endorsing the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule. This comes amid concerns that some local health departments have issued guidance that deviates from established standards.

With families receiving vaccine information from various sources, confusion may occur. Healthcare providers continue to serve as trusted voices by offering clear, science-based guidance. Adherence to established immunization schedules remains essential to protecting public health and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.

Members with questions regarding vaccinations may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Workplace Violence Prevention and Maternal Health Efforts

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA Keystone Board of Directors met Nov. 12 to review ongoing work to improve safety and quality across member organizations. The meeting opened with a connect-to-purpose story shared by Keystone Board Chair Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN, CENP, vice president of nursing operations, Henry Ford Health, which reinforced Keystone’s focus on preventing workplace violence.

The board discussed strategies to address violence in healthcare settings, including clinics and off-site locations. Members reviewed efforts to strengthen policies, training and coordinated approaches that support safer environments for healthcare workers. The discussion emphasized that workplace violence affects staff well-being, patient safety and overall organizational performance.

The board also reviewed maternal health priorities, including the MI AIM program and the framework for maternal levels of care. The overview highlighted how levels of care categorize facilities based on their ability to provide specialized maternal services, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their clinical needs.

The board will receive a detailed presentation on Keystone initiatives related to maternal health at a future meeting. The presentation will outline opportunities for board support in advancing work to improve maternal and infant care.

The meeting reaffirmed Keystone’s commitment to addressing critical safety and quality issues through collaborative leadership and continuous improvement.

Members with questions may contact Amy Brown at the MHA.