Tag: Speak-up! Award

MHA Monday Report May 15, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHarmful Nurse Staffing Legislation Introduced in Michigan Legislature

Harmful nurse staffing legislation was introduced May 11 in the Michigan Legislature that would mandate nurse staffing ratios, require public disclosure of the ratios and restrict mandatory overtime for nurses. The bill package is pushed by the Michigan Nurses Association and was ….

Behavioral Health ED Boarding Data Available

Behavioral health emergency department (ED) boarding data the MHA has been collecting on a weekly basis from acute care hospitals across Michigan since March 2023 is now available on the Health Data webpage of the …

Annual Meeting iconMHA Annual Membership Meeting Includes Ways to Support Michigan Hospitals

The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 28 through 30 at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers, the family …

DEA Issues Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications

After delaying the final rule for ending COVID-19 telehealth prescribing rules, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has issued a temporary rule to allow the following: The full set of telemedicine flexibilities regarding prescription of controlled …

Upcoming Webinars on Medicare FFS Quality-based Programs

The MHA is partnering with DataGen to host two free webinars focused on Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs, which can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6%, depending upon hospital performance. The webinars …

Webinar Outlines Practices to Re-engage Patients and Families in Care

Fractured social contracts in today’s world have changed the healthcare landscape and culture. There is a convergence of patient consumerism and digital transformation happening, and those who focus on patient-centered care and person and family …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Safe Table – Health IT & Risk Safety

The MHA Keystone Center PSO is hosting a Health IT & Risk Safety Safe Table from 12:30 to 3 p.m. June 14. The event will be held at Goshen Health, located at 200 High Park …

Direct Care and Behavioral Health Workforce Assessment: Regional Feedback Sessions

Public Sector Consultants and Health Management Associates are partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to gather the perspectives of people impacted by the direct care worker and behavioral health workforce …

MHA Webinar Focuses on Building Trust and Relationships for Trustees

When stakeholders gather to discuss community vitality, the health and wellbeing of the community is not only about access to safe, affordable healthcare, but about non-medical health influences that have an impact on the community. …

MDHHS Releases Beginner Guide for Doula Providers

Michigan Medicaid began reimbursing doula services provided to individuals covered by or eligible for Medicaid as of Jan. 1, 2023. Doula providers are required to be on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services …

The Keckley ReportPaul Keckley

The End of the Pandemic Health Emergency is Ill-timed and Short-sighted: The Impact will further Destabilize the Health Industry

“The national spotlight this week will be on the debt ceiling stand-off in Congress, the end of Title 42 that enables immigrants’ legal access to the U.S., the April CPI report from the Department of Labor and the aftermath of the nation’s 199th mass shooting this year in Allen TX.

The official end of the Pandemic Health Emergency (PHE) Thursday will also be noted but its impact on the health industry will be immediate and under-estimated. …

In the weeks ahead as the debt ceiling is debated, the Federal FY 2024 budget finalized and campaign 2024 launches, the societal value of the entire health system and speculation about its preparedness for the next pandemic will be top of mind. …“

Paul Keckley, May 8, 2023

News to Know

  • Upon the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the Health Resources & Services Administration will end a 2020 policy allowing hospitals to use 340B drugs for eligible patients in new hospital locations, even if they have not yet appeared on a filed Medicare cost report.
  • The MHA is hosting the webinar MHA Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): An Alternative to Traditional Nursing Home care from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 23.
  • Completed 2022 occupational mix surveys must be submitted by acute care hospitals paid under the Medicare prospective payment system to the Medicare Administrative Contractor by June 30, 2023.

Brian PetersMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of May 8 regarding nurse staffing legislation, healthcare worker shortages, the ending of the COVID-19 public health emergency and more. A joint media statement was published May 11 …

MHA Monday Report May 8, 2023

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingState Legislation Introduced to Address Violence Against Healthcare Workers, Strengthen Healthy Michigan Plan and Expand Organ Donor Registration

Legislation to increase the penalties for assaulting healthcare employees and volunteers was introduced in the state House of Representatives during the week of May 1. Additional legislation was introduced to remove unnecessary provisions of the …

Michigan’s Largest Private-sector Employer Remains Healthcare

The Partnership for Michigan’s Health reports healthcare directly employed nearly 568,000 Michigan residents in 2021, demonstrating that healthcare remains the largest private-sector employer in the state despite continued staffing losses attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. …

Webinar Reveals New Tool to Improve Person and Family Engagement

The MHA is hosting a webinar from 8:30 to 10 a.m. May 24 to review the newly released MHA Person & Family Engagement Roadmap, which includes recommended policies to re-engage patients and caregivers and …

Final Medicaid Bulletin on Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a final Medicaid Policy Bulletin May 1 with revisions to the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Policy. In response to the proposed policy issued April 1, …

speak upE.W. Sparrow Hospital Nurse Receives Q2 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The MHA Keystone Center presented Cheryl Kay, RN, at E.W. Sparrow Hospital with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, which celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of …

DEA Delays Ending COVID-19 Telehealth Prescribing Rules

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is delaying draft rules that proposed stricter telehealth limits on providers prescribing controlled substances, like buprenorphine for opioid use disorder or Adderall for ADHD. The DEA will temporarily extend …

MHA Webinar Reviews PACE Programs

With the closure of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, hospitals and health systems need options to care for seniors. Dually eligible frail seniors are one of the most complex cohorts with multiple comorbidities, frequent …

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

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 …

2023 Ludwig Nominee: Priority Health, National Fitness Campaign Partner to Offer Free Fitness Courts

Since 1990, the MHA has honored member healthcare organizations working to enrich the overall welfare of their local communities through the Ludwig Community Benefit Award. This year, the MHA is excited to showcase all award nominees, …

MHA Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEOMHA CEO Report — Attracting Healthcare Talent

Talent acquisition is always top of mind for all business leaders. Demand for workers now outpaces supply throughout the U.S., but particularly here in Michigan due to our demographic realities, including an aging baby-boom generation entering retirement in significant numbers. …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyThe Tit for Tat Game in Healthcare produces No Winners

“Tit for Tat battles in healthcare are nothing new. Last week, they were on full display. …

Most of the food fights in healthcare like last week’s revolve around each sector’s unique response to the three challenges above. That’s why they exist: to protect the interests of their members and advocate on their behalf. All believe their mission and vision is essential to the greater good and the moral high ground theirs. Some are imperiled more than others: not for profit, rural and safety net hospitals, long-term care operators, direct caregivers and public health programs at the top of this list.

Educating lawmakers is necessary but what’s needed is serious, objective forward-looking definition of the U.S. health system’s future. The tit for tat game will not solve anything. That’s where we are. …“

Paul Keckley, May 1, 2023

News to Know

  • National Hospital Week 2023 is May 7-13.
  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services created a series of short videos to help providers and community partners navigate policies impacted by the ending of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
  • Registration remains open for the 2023 MHA Annual Membership Meeting, scheduled June 28 through 30 at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
  • Completed 2022 occupational mix surveys must be submitted by acute care hospitals paid under the Medicare prospective payment system to the Medicare Administrative Contractor by June 30, 2023.

MHA CEO Brian Peters speaks with WLNS.MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of May 1 on the economic impact of healthcare in Michigan and planned state legislation that would require nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in hospitals. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business published …

E.W. Sparrow Hospital Nurse Receives Q2 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality
speak up

The MHA Keystone Center presented Cheryl Kay, RN, at E.W. Sparrow Hospital with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, which celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.

Kay was honored May 2 for advocating for her patient recovering from a cesarean section. The patient’s urine output was low and a rapid fluid infusion was ordered. However, Kay advocated to delay the infusion since the patient had preeclampsia. The patient did not receive the fluids and it was later discovered they had pulmonary edema, which could have been exacerbated had the infusion taken place.

“Caring for a mother so that she can care for her baby is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job,” said Kay. “I’m proud to be able to advocate for my patients to ensure their quickest and fullest recovery so they can confidently tend to their new baby.”

Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award promotes a culture within healthcare organizations empowering staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care to foster continuous improvement and minimize institutional risk for both patients and providers.

“Team members like Cheryl consistently exemplify the high safety and quality standards we set for ourselves at Sparrow Health System,” said Paul Entler, D.O., Sparrow Health System’s Chief Clinical Officer. “She deserves to be recognized for acknowledging the complexity of her patient’s condition and ensuring all aspects were considered in their treatment plan.”

Additional award finalists for the second quarter of 2023 include:

  • Erin Harbour – RNC.S., Mott Children’s Hospital.
  • Susan Robinson – Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
  • Sarah Allen – RN, Trinity Health Livonia Hospital.

“Establishing a culture that encourages staff to speak up is paramount to improving safety within Michigan hospitals,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “It is clear through Cheryl’s actions that the Sparrow Health System team is dedicated to advancing the quality of patient care, and we are thrilled to be celebrating her commitment.”

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

MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Nurse Receives Q1 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality
speak up
Laura Smith, RN, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, MHA Keystone Center Q1 Speak-Up! Award honoree.

The MHA Keystone Center presented Laura Smith, RN at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, which celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.

Smith was honored on March 9 for her diligence protecting a patient from premature discharge. While this individual was originally cleared to leave the facility, Smith urged the physical therapy team to re-evaluate the patient which led to confirmation that they were not able to move at full capacity or maintain normal oxygen levels. Her attentiveness and choice to follow-up was critical in protecting both the patient from harm and the family from potential distress.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for one of the most rewarding aspects of my job,” said Smith. “Being a patient’s advocate is one of the most important responsibilities of a nurse, and I am proud to work at a hospital where it is encouraged and celebrated.”

Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award promotes a culture within healthcare organizations empowering staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care to foster continuous improvement and minimize institutional risk for both patients and providers.

“We are very fortunate to have team members like Laura who are committed to ensuring all our patients receive the dedicated care they deserve,” said Mike Erickson, president, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. “Her recognition is well-deserved, and we appreciate her unwavering commitment to the high standards we set for ourselves at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.”

Additional award finalists for the first quarter of 2022 include:

  • Rebecca Ridenour – RN, Sparrow Hospital
  • Austin Lilley – RN, University of Michigan Health-West
  • Justyna Skowron – RN, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital

“It’s always a pleasure to celebrate the courageous acts of healthcare workers like Laura,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “The health and well-being of Michigan patients relies on the compassion and thoroughness of those who provide care in our hospitals and health systems every day.”

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

C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Nurse Receives Q2 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center presented Courtney Meagher, RN at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, July 12 with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award.

The MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award celebrates individuals or teams in Michigan hospitals demonstrating a commitment to the prevention of patient or staff harm.

Meagher is being honored for her diligence in caring for a patient who accidently removed their tracheostomy tube. While the patient’s oxygen saturation was 100%, Meagher was still concerned with the patient’s breathing after a difficult tracheostomy tube replacement and sought counsel from another nurse. After confirming the patient was breathing from their mouth rather than the tracheostomy tube, the team was able to place a new one in the appropriate position. Meagher’s actions prevented potential harm and any further complications.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a patient advocate,” said Meagher. “I am grateful to work in a system where I feel confident to question, validate and verify to ensure our patients are receiving the best care possible.”

Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award promotes a culture within healthcare organizations empowering staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care to foster continuous improvement and minimize institutional risk for both patients and providers.

“Team members like Courtney allow us to lead the way in providing comprehensive, specialized health care for children,” said Luanne Thomas Ewald, MHA, FACHE, chief operating officer, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. “We are grateful to see her recognized for displaying the high safety standards we set to ensure we are providing the highest quality of care.”

Additional award finalists for the second quarter of 2022 include:

  • Claire LaPlaunt, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, Sault Ste. Marie
  • Areej Kattan, Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn

“It’s the steadfast approach of healthcare workers like Courtney that advances the safety and quality of Michigan hospitals,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “She is incredibly deserving of this recognition for her courage to speak up and seek validation for her patient.”

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

MHA Monday Report June 20, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingBehavioral Health Supplemental Budget, Policy Bills Advance

The Michigan Legislature advanced several hospital-related bills during the week of June 13. Most notably, the Senate advanced a $590 million supplemental appropriations bill related to behavioral health. Several other policy bills the MHA …

Ask Congress to Support SAVE Act to Protect Healthcare Workers

The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act is newly proposed federal legislation to give healthcare workers the same legal protections against assault and intimidation that flight crews and airport workers have under federal law. U.S. Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Larry Bucshon, MD …

MHA CEO Brian Peters; Beth Bedra, RN, patient safety officer, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and Sarah Scranton, MPA, vice president, safety and quality, MHA and MHA Keystone executive director.

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Receives Q1 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center honored Beth Bedra, patient safety officer at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, June 9 with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award. …

Paul KeckleyThe Keckley Report

May 2022 CPI Report: Healthcare Prices Up, Especially Insurers

“Comparatively, healthcare has seen relatively constrained price increases while the rest of the economy’s price hikes have soared: In the last 12 months, the energy index rose 34.6%–the largest 12-month increase 2005, the food index increased 10.1%–the first increase of 10% or more since 1981, vs. 4.0% for medical care–notably the lowest 12 month increase of any category in the CPI.”

Paul Keckley, June 13, 2022

News to Know

The MHA has submitted comments regarding the proposed rule to update the fiscal year 2023 Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system.

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Receives Q1 MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award

News Releases, Patient Safety and Quality
MHA CEO Brian Peters; Beth Bedra, RN, patient safety officer, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and Sarah Scranton, MPA, vice president, safety and quality, MHA and MHA Keystone executive director.
MHA CEO Brian Peters; Beth Bedra, RN, patient safety officer, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and Sarah Scranton, MPA, vice president, safety and quality, MHA and MHA Keystone executive director.
MHA CEO Brian Peters; Beth Bedra, RN, patient safety officer, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and Sarah Scranton, MPA, vice president, safety and quality, MHA and MHA Keystone executive director.

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center honored Beth Bedra, patient safety officer at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, June 9 with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes were made to the main entrance at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital to accommodate infection control requirements for patient visitors. However, the revised entrance utilized a revolving door that was not suitable for all visitors and posed a safety risk. Beth personally examined the door, reviewed video footage of how patients and their care partners enter and exit the facility and engaged other staff in identifying solutions. As a result, she led efforts to revise the entrance that accommodates the needs of all visitors at the hospital and ensures the safest walkway possible.

“I’m honored to be a recipient of this award and to know that as a team, we’ve been able to improve the patient and visitor experience at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital,” said Bedra. “I’m thankful we have a culture where I could speak up and suggest a change that is in the best interest of safety at the hospital.”

Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award acknowledges individuals or teams within MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization hospitals who speak up to prevent potential harm to patients or other staff members. The award fosters a culture within healthcare organizations that empowers staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care.

“We are incredibly grateful to have Beth as part of our team,” said Darrin Arquette, president, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. “Her years of safety experience, in addition to her perceptive observation skills and attention to detail help improve the safety and quality of care for our staff, patients and their care partners on a daily basis.”

Additional award finalists for the first quarter of 2022 include:

  • Jennifer Helman, NP, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
  • Erin Munsel, PharmD, BCCPS, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
  • Jenny Burton, Helen Newberry Joy Hospital

“The pandemic has created incredible challenges for hospitals and in many instances, drastically changed the visitor experience,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “Beth is a great example that despite the increased stress on healthcare workers, they still display an unwavering commitment to improving safety for all who enter their facilities.”

Specifics on the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online. For more information, contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.

MHA Monday Report June 13, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHouse and Senate Continue Health Policy Testimony

Health policy committees met during the week of June 6 to continue action on three bills that would impact hospitals. Further testimony was taken on legislation to create a new state-based exchange for healthcare insurance …

MHA Draft Comments on IPPS Proposed Rule Available for Member Review

The MHA has drafted comments regarding the fiscal year 2023 Medicare proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS). Hospitals are encouraged to review the impact of the proposed rule on …

The Keckley Report

Medicare Trustees Report is Misleading, Especially for Hospitals

“Last Thursday, the Medicare Trustees released their latest assessment of the long-term adequacy of the Trust Funds that reimburse [healthcare providers on] behalf of Medicare’s 64 million seniors andPaul Keckley disabled adults. …

“This report is the Trustees’ 57th. Its projections are developed in two time-frames … A careful read provides a cautionary view about future Medicare funding adequacy.”

Paul Keckley, June 6, 2022

News to Know

The MHA is developing an advocacy day specially designed for small or rural hospital members. Rural Advocacy Day will be held Sept. 21 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing.

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters expressed the MHA’s support for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affair’s new implicit bias training requirement for all professions licensed or registered under the Public Health Code in a story by Michigan Capitol Confidential.

Sparrow Hospital Nurse Protects Pediatric Patient, Receives Award

Patient Safety and Quality, News Releases
speak up
Jennifer Brandt
Jennifer Brandt, RN at Sparrow Hospital, receives Speak-up! Award

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center honored Jennifer Brandt, an emergency department registered nurse at Sparrow Hospital, Oct. 21 with the quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award.

Brandt was caring for a pediatric patient scheduled to be discharged from the emergency department based on lab results. However, Brandt noticed that the patient’s condition appeared to be declining and suggested that the patient be admitted to the hospital. The physician assistant agreed with Brandt’s recommendation, and the patient was admitted to the pediatric unit with subsequent transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit, where the patient was treated for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a rare but serious condition that occurs after a COVID-19 exposure or infection that can lead to inflammation of vital organs.

“I’m extremely honored to receive this award, but even more so happy that we were able to correctly diagnose our patient and make sure the patient received the care that they needed,” said Brandt. “We have a culture at Sparrow Hospital that makes me comfortable to speak up, which helps ensure our patients receive the best care.”

Launched in March 2016, the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award acknowledges individuals or teams within MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization hospitals who speak up to prevent potential harm to patients or other staff members. The award fosters a culture within healthcare organizations that empowers staff to speak up about the quality or safety of patient care.

“What Jennifer did is what we want all members of our care teams to do if they feel like something may not be right,” said Karen Kent VanGorder, MD, chief medical and quality officer, Sparrow Health System. “The past few months have been extremely busy and taxing on the staff of Sparrow Hospital’s emergency department, but we are blessed to have healthcare heroes like Jennifer caring for patients every day.”

Additional award finalists for the third quarter of 2021 include:

  • Logan Bixman, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital
  • Shelah Perry, McLaren Health Care
  • Carrie Schmoekel, Covenant HealthCare

“Establishing a safety culture that empowers staff to speak up is one very important way that hospitals throughout Michigan are improving safety and quality for their patients,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “We are thrilled to recognize Jennifer and Sparrow Hospital for her actions that ensured a child received the care they needed for a very serious disease.”

Specifics on the MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award, including criteria and a nomination form, are available online. For more information, contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.