Tag: Rob Wood

News to Know – April 20, 2026

Member News

New to Know

  • Applications are being accepted for the 2026-27 MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship for hospital and health system trustees. Between October 2026 and June 2027, fellows will meet in person three times at the MHA headquarters in Okemos and participate in virtual sessions. More than 100 trustees have graduated from this unique program, and they all speak highly of it. Questions about the fellowship can be directed to Erin Steward at the MHA.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner SmarterDx is hosting the webinar “Making the Case for AI-Powered CDI” May 7 at 1 p.m. ET in partnership with ACDIS. The webinar features Allison Van Doren, RN, JM, CCDS, CDIP, AVP revenue cycle, CDI, Jefferson Health; and Joshua Geleris, MD, co-founder and chief product officer, SmarterDx. Members are encouraged to register to learn how Jefferson Health implemented AI-assisted chart review across 32 hospitals to strengthen documentation capture and support CDI teams. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

 

Upcoming Opportunities to Prioritize Workplace Safety

Member News

As MHA CEO Brian Peters stated in his April CEO Report, it’s critical – especially during Workplace Violence Prevention Month – to prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare workers. The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Service Corporation are committed to partnering with experts across the healthcare industry and beyond to support workplace safety initiatives.

Below are upcoming events and learning opportunities tied to this work:

  • Join i2G Systems April 22 for an informative webinar on the Pathway to Prevention, which will review how security technology recently prevented an active violence incident in the healthcare setting.
  • Explore new trauma-informed eLearning opportunities, including de-escalation trainings available by contacting Tarian as well as the Four Myths of Workplace Violence webinar recording.
  • Save the date for the 2026 MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium coming up Oct. 14. The event will feature national speakers including Stephen Weiler, manager of resiliency services at Tarian, who has personally provided active shooter training and more at several MHA-member hospitals.

Contact Rob Wood or the MHA Keystone Center team to learn more.

News to Know – March 16, 2026

Member News
New to Know
  • New to KnowThe MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, including public perception and affordability. Members are encouraged to register by May 22 to attend this memorable event. Members with questions may contact the MHA or call (517) 323-3443.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Navigating AI’s Impact on Cyber Hygiene webinar March 25 from noon-1 p.m. ET. This session will include insights from Doug Copley, chief information security officer, AtlantiCare Health System, who will explore what effective cyber hygiene looks like in an AI‑powered environment, going beyond traditional best practices to address emerging risks. Members are encouraged to register or contact Rob Wood at the MHA with questions.

Upcoming Events Focus on Workplace Violence

Member News

The MHA will host two events that provide resources and insights on workplace violence in healthcare.

The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian will host the webinar, The Four Myths of Workplace Violence and the Aggression Cycle You Can’t Afford to Ignore, March 4 from 11 a.m. – noon ET. Attendees are encouraged to register for the free webinar to gain valuable insights during the interactive discussion. The webinar is open to MHA members and non-members, healthcare professionals and leaders, security personnel and others responsible for creating a safe, empathetic and resilient workplace culture. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA or Adam Novak at the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA EventsThe 2026 MHA HR Conference, scheduled March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will include a panel discussion on workplace violence as a continuing challenge across healthcare settings that impacts employee safety, well-being and retention. The panel will highlight real-world strategies for preventing, responding to and recovering from incidents of workplace violence. Panelists will highlight successful initiatives, including policy development, staff training, reporting and response protocols, and collaboration between security and clinical teams.

Registration for the HR Conference is $259 and members can register online by March 11. Questions about registration should be directed to Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference may contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

News to Know – Feb. 23, 2026

Member News
New to Know

Join MHA Endorsed Business Partner SmarterDx for the webinar From Policy to Your Playbook: Turning Rural Health Transformation Programs into Actionable Steps, Feb. 26 from 1 – 2 p.m. ET. This session will provide insights into federal and state Rural Health Transformation initiatives that are unlocking meaningful funding and help healthcare leaders translate policy language into action they can take for their organizations. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

News to Know – Feb. 16, 2026

Member News
New to Know
  • The deadline to submit a request for proposals to the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity Workforce Development (LEO-WD) for the State Apprenticeship Expansion (SAE) 2026 grant program is Feb. 18. SAE 2026 will prioritize already approved U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs that address talent shortages in critical non-infrastructure occupations, including Health and Human Services. Members with questions should contact LEO-Apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
  • The MHA Keystone Center and MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Tarian will host the webinar The Four Myths of Workplace Violence and the Aggression Cycle You Can’t Afford to Ignore 11 a.m. – noon ET on March 4. Attendees are encouraged to register for this free event to gain valuable insights during the interactive webinar discussion. This is open to MHA members and non-members, healthcare professionals and leaders, security personnel and anyone responsible for creating a safe, empathetic and resilient workplace culture. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • MHA offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

MHA Service Corporation Welcomes New Board Member and Explores Innovations

Member News

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board met Feb. 4 to advance and promote current and future business services of the MHASC and its Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Program. The board also welcomed incoming board member Pankaj Jandwani, MD, system vice president and chief information officer, MyMichigan Health, to strengthen innovative and strategic leadership.

The meeting featured an update from MHA EBP CommerceHealthcare®, which shared a 2026 report on financial trends and insights. The MHA has partnered with CommerceHealthcare® for more than 15 years to offer solutions tailored for healthcare organizations, including RemitConnect, an accounts receivable tool to help match remittances with payments, a patient financing program and an accounts payable virtual card program. KC Mathews, Ward Svarvari and Dan VandenBosch with CommerceHealthcare® explored how its solutions help improve cash flow and create better patient experiences. Members interested in additional information may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

The MHASC business lines provide critical support to the MHA through its Supply Chain Collaborative, Data Services, Unemployment Compensation Program and EBP Program to keep dues as low as possible. The services offered align with the MHA strategic action plan to ensure that financially driven efforts support the MHA’s mission.

Members with questions regarding the MHASC board may contact Lindsay Peters at the MHA.

News to Know – Feb. 9, 2026

Member News
  • MHNew to KnowA Endorsed Business Partner Wakely is hosting the webinar Summary and Impacts of the 2027 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice Feb. 12 from 1 – 2 p.m. ET. This session will provide an overview of the proposed changes, with an emphasis on the likely impact that the new rates and policies will have on Medicare Advantage bids, membership growth, quality and strategy. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce. Registration is $259 and members are encouraged to register. Members with questions about registration should contact Ellie Droste at the MHA. Members with questions about the conference should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce |Q is hosting an in-person Coffee & Collab for Cybersecurity Leaders Feb. 10 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. ET at CyberForce|Q headquarters in Plymouth, MI. This session will include insights from Doug Copley, chief information security officer, AtlantiCare Health System, to explore how AI is affecting the operation of information security programs. Discussion topics include governance, risk management, compliance and enablement, with practical lessons on balancing innovation with protection against evolving threats. Members may register online or contact Rob Wood at the MHA with questions.

News to Know – Jan. 26, 2026

Member News
  • New to KnowThe MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council met virtually Jan. 15 to identify ways to support the MHA strategic action plan. Council members shared tactics for highlighting their hospital’s community impact and how to support patients navigating the healthcare system; examined the research from the Birth Experience Project, shared birth plan templates and pregnancy service literature to improve patient experience and outcomes, and discussed using patient journey mapping to identify where patients feel the most disconnected in their care process. Questions about the council can be directed to Erin Steward at the MHA.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) CyberForce|Q is hosting the webinar Proactive Cyber Risk Measures from 11 a.m. to noon ET on Jan. 29. The session will feature speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber Command Center and other organizations. Members are encouraged to register for a first-hand look at what happens when a real cyber incident occurs, including proactive steps organizations can take to accelerate recovery and reduce impact. To learn more about CyberForce|Q, contact Midwest regional sales director, John Kelley. Members interested in solutions offered through the MHA EBP program may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy (HCLA) is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. HCLA, in partnership with Executive Core, has been a staple of the MHA, with more than 125 physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals completing the academy. The two power-packed modules featured in the coursework provide participants with Leadership 360° feedback with personalized executive coaching, an exploration of best practices balanced with patient outcomes and valuable discussions with senior healthcare leaders. For more information, please contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

 

Webinar Explores Strategies to Strengthen Revenue Integrity

Member News

The MHA and MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) AMN Healthcare Revenue Cycle Solutions will host A Tale of Three Health Systems: Their Mid-Revenue Cycle Insights and Road to Revenue Integrity webinar from 11 to 11:50 a.m. ET Feb. 19. This webinar highlights the journeys of three health systems and how they navigated mid-revenue cycle challenges to strengthen revenue integrity. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for C-suite leaders focused on denials management, documentation accuracy and technology adoption—empowering organizations to maximize every dollar.

By attending this session, participants will:

  • Understand key drivers of revenue integrity and their impact on financial performance.
  • Explore strategies to reduce denials and improve reimbursement accuracy through coding and documentation best practices.
  • Evaluate the role of technology and AI – where automation succeeds, where human oversight is essential and how to build ROI for adoption.
  • Gain insights from real-world case studies on clinical revenue cycle improvements, including length of stay and avoidable days.

The webinar is free of charge and members are encouraged to register.

For additional information, visit the AMN Healthcare page or contact Christine Poleon, DVP, revenue cycle solutions, AMN Healthcare. Members seeking information about the MHA’s EBP program may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.