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 (PFE) Roadmap, which includes recommended policies to re-engage patients and caregivers and share best practices for in-person engagement.

Person- and family-centered care creates mutually beneficial partnerships among healthcare staff, patients and caregivers through respect and dignity, information sharing, participation and collaboration. However, the pandemic required many PFE practices to shift to virtual interactions with limited communication between healthcare staff and caregivers. The new roadmap focuses on how patients, caregivers and healthcare staff must refocus on opportunities to connect so patient safety and improved clinical outcomes are preserved.

Care navigators, nurses, quality, patient experience, population health and health equity professionals are encouraged to register. Registration is free of charge and open to MHA member organizations only.

Members with questions may contact Brenda Carr at the MHA.

 

 

Advocacy and Relationship Building Important Roles for Trustees

Governing board members are valuable spokespeople for their hospitals because they represent the voice of the community in support of important policy viewpoints and strategic positions. The MHA Board Governance Education webinar series, which includes webinars from noon to 1 p.m. EST on May 9 and May 23, will provide examples of how to advocate using specific messages on important issues like financial viability and workforce safety and how to engage with stakeholders on the political and economic challenges that surround healthcare operations and capital decisions.

The series is generously sponsored by HPS, an associate member of the MHA, and free of charge to MHA members. Members can register for one or both webinars.

Members with questions about registration should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

News to Know – April 24, 2023

  • The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 28 through 30 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Alisahah Jackson, MD, president, Lloyd H. Dean Institute for Humankindness & Health Justice at CommonSpirit, and Marcus Whitney, co-founder, Jumpstart Health Investors. Jackson will speak about leveraging science and trust to accelerate health equity, while Whitney will outline partnerships among stakeholder to bring new, inclusive and innovative solutions to healthcare. Members with questions should email the MHA or call (517-323-3443).
  • The Root Cause Coalition (TRCC) is accepting requests for proposals by April 24 to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City. Proposals are being accepted for breakout sessions and poster presentations. Organizations with proven, measurable solutions that address health equity and collectively chart an intentional, meaningful and measurable path for progress are encouraged to submit. Members with questions can contact Lori Bennett at the TRCC.

News to Know – April 17, 2023

  • The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 28 through 30 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Alisahah Jackson, MD, president, Lloyd H. Dean Institute for Humankindness & Health Justice at CommonSpirit, and Marcus Whitney, co-founder, Jumpstart Health Investors. Jackson will speak about leveraging science and trust to accelerate health equity, while Whitney will outline partnerships among stakeholder to bring new, inclusive and innovative solutions to healthcare. Members with questions should email the MHA or call (517-323-3443).
  • ASPR TRACIE is hosting a roundtable webinar Lessons Learned in Healthcare Communications from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. April 20. Topics will include channels used for outreach and continued engagement, strategies for reaching different community and cultural groups, tracking and countering rumors, and working with partners to create complementary messaging. Speakers representing a wide range of stakeholders and jurisdiction types (national, large/urban, regional and rural/tribal) will share their perspectives on how they integrate these lessons into current and future responses. Members interested are encouraged to register.
  • The Root Cause Coalition (TRCC) is accepting requests for proposalsto present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City. Proposals are being accepted for breakout sessions and poster presentations. Organizations with proven, measurable solutions that address health equity and collectively chart an intentional, meaningful and measurable path for progress are encouraged to submit. Members with questions can contact Lori Bennett at the TRCC.

MHA Monday Report April 10, 2023

MHA Monday Report

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


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is set to end the federal Public Health Emergency May 11. At that time, the special privileges and exemptions Michigan extended to licensed healthcare facilities and providers …


The MHA is hosting a webinar 11 a.m. to noon April 11 to discuss the $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. …


The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to establish Medicaid reimbursement methodology for hospitals that convert to the new rural emergency hospital provider type. Critical access hospitals …


Recent media headlines declare hospitals are in reasonably good shape financially due to pandemic funding, Medicare and insurer overpayments, and price-gauging. While hospital leaders have data proving extreme financial pressures, the cumulative effect of this …


The MHA will host the in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option as well. The forum is structured as a …


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for federal fiscal year 2024. Key provisions of the proposal include: Rebasing the …


The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a capitated model of care that provides community-based care to seniors who are eligible for nursing homes. PACE is responsible for primary, acute and long-term-care …

The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyHas U.S. Healthcare Reached its Tipping Point?

“At a meeting with hospital system CEOs last Wednesday, one asked: “has healthcare reached the tipping point?”  I replied ‘not yet but it’s getting close.’ …

I am not a fatalist: the future for healthcare is brighter than its past, but not for everyone. Strategies predicated on protecting the past are obsolete. Strategies that consider consumers incapable of active participation in the delivery and financing of their care are archaic. Strategies that depend on unbridled consolidation and opaque pricing are naïve. And strategies that limit market access for non-traditional players are artifacts of the gilded age gone by when each sector protected its own against infidels outside. ….”

Paul Keckley, April 3, 2023


News to Know

  • Registration still open for April 13 MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.
  • The Root Cause Coalition is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City.

The MHA received media coverage the week of April 3 regarding the preparedness of hospital for another pandemic and how hospital and health system merger and acquisition activity impacts healthcare. ABC News published a story …

MHA Webinar Highlights PACE Model of Care

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a capitated model of care that provides community-based care to seniors who are eligible for nursing homes. PACE is responsible for primary, acute and long-term-care needs, regardless of the care setting. Key features that are similar to accountable care organizations (ACOs) are comprehensive and coordinated care, integrated financing between Medicare and Medicaid and full accountability for quality and cost of services. PACE combines the elements of a patient-centered medical home and an ACO. It is a proven model of care for hospitals and health systems to consider implementing.

The MHA webinar Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): An Alternative to Traditional Nursing Home Care will examine successful clinical and financial PACE models, how the concepts of the patient-centered medical home, ACOs and other new population-based models of care can be successfully applied to the senior population.

The webinar is scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 23 and MHA members can register at no charge.

Members with questions should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Trustee Webinars Focus on Healthcare Trends and Advocacy Strategies

Recent media headlines declare hospitals are in reasonably good shape financially due to pandemic funding, Medicare and insurer overpayments and price-gauging. While hospital leaders have data proving extreme financial pressures, the cumulative effect of this press is confusion and distrust of hospitals. The MHA Board Governance Education webinar series will provide examples of how to share facts and be an effective advocate on financial viability and other areas.

The April 19 webinar outlines the trends affecting current and future strategic plans, the May 9 webinar teaches trustees techniques for effectively communicating with stakeholders on key issues and the May 23 webinar discusses ways to build trust and engagement within the community. All webinars are from noon to 1 p.m. EST and members can register for one or all three webinars.

The series is generously sponsored by HPS, an associate member of the MHA and free of charge to MHA members.

Members with questions about registration should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Webinar Focuses on Pediatric Inpatient Behavioral Health Grant

The MHA is hosting a webinar from 11 a.m. to noon April 11 to discuss the $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. This 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.

Representatives from the MHA will present on specifics related to the grant and the request for proposal (RFP) process. Members will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Registration is required for the webinar.

The grant program will issue funds to entities across the state of Michigan for either the expansion of existing programs or development of new ones. The RFP and supporting materials are available for members interested in applying for grant funding:

The MHA will accept online applications on a rolling, quarterly basis until funds are exhausted. The first round of applications is due to the MHA by 11:59 p.m. on June 1. All applications will be blindly reviewed and scored to determine funding allocations. Each organization is eligible to apply for up to $25 million. No emailed or hard copy applications will be accepted.

Copies of the grant RFP materials and the online application are also available on the MHA Behavioral Health webpage.

Members with questions about the webinar and the RFP may contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report April 3, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingMichigan Joins Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact

Michigan officially joined the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact March 29, creating an expedited pathway to licensure for psychologists who wish to practice telemedicine services across state lines. To date, 36 states are authorized to join …


Student Debt Relief Offered to Behavioral Health Providers

The MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program will offer educational loan repayment for eligible behavioral health medical providers in Michigan. The program is available to behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists, …


Governance Webinar Series Outlines Trends and Advocacy Tactics

Board members must understand the issues tied directly to hospital and health system planning and performance, identify opportunities for improvement and support the leadership in advocating for mission-driven, patient-centered policies with key stakeholders. The MHA …


Required Occupational Survey Due June 30

Completed 2022 occupational mix surveys must be submitted by hospitals to the Medicare Administrative Contractor by June 30, 2023. Hospitals are required to complete the survey every three years, with results from the 2022 survey …


MHA Rounds Report - Brian Peters, MHA CEOMHA CEO Report — A Healthy Michigan is an Insured Michigan

The United States celebrated last month the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act. Simply put, when then-President Obama signed the legislation March 23, 2010, it was one of the most monumental healthcare policy changes in our lifetime. …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyNot for Profit Health Systems are Soft Targets: Here’s Why

“There are no easy answers for not-for-profit hospitals/heath systems. The issue is about more than messaging and PR. It’s about more than Medicare reimbursement (7.5% below cost), protecting programs like 340B, keeping tax exemptions and maintaining barriers against physician-owned hospitals. The issue is NOT about operating income vs. investment income: in every business, both are essential and in each, economic cycles impact gains/losses. Each of these is important but only band-aids on an open wound in U.S. healthcare.

Near-term (the next 2 years), opportunities for not-for-profit hospitals involve administrative simplification to reduce costs and improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of the workforce. Clinical documentation using ChatGPT/Bard-like tools can have a massive positive impact—that’s just a start. Advocacy, public education and Board preparedness require bigger investments of time and resources. But that’s true for every hospital, regardless of ownership. These are table stakes to stay afloat. …”

Paul Keckley, March 27, 2023


News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.
  • The MHA is issuing 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 MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well.
  • The Root Cause Coalition is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City.

MHA Monday Report March 27, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingMHA-supported Bills See Action Before Break

The Michigan House of Representatives acted on a pair of MHA-supported bills during the week of March 20. In the House Health Policy Committee, members voted to report legislation to strengthen Michigan’s Healthy Michigan statute. …


Speakers of the Protect Our Care press conference.MHA Celebrates ACA Anniversary with Congresswoman Slotkin

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel joined U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and other healthcare advocates March 23 as part of a virtual press conference organized by Protect Our Care to celebrate the 13th anniversary of …


As individuals and families across the state and country continue to face food insecurity, Michigan’s hospitals, health systems and community leaders are engaged in creating collaborative solutions. MHA CEO Brian Peters joined fellow food security …

Expanding Advocacy Roots with the Next Generation

The MHA collaborated with Wayne State University for the first-ever student-led advocacy day March 22. Science Policy Network-Detroit is a student organization at Wayne State that aims to advocate for science-related issues in …


March 30 Webinar Outlines Considerations for the End of the Public Health Emergency

The Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 public health emergency expires May 11, 2023, which may significantly decrease the flexibility providers have become accustomed to. The MHA will host The End of the …


Medicaid Eligibility Redetermination Webinar Recording Available

The Michigan Medicaid program has grown to nearly 3.2 million Michiganders, an increase of more than 700,000 when compared to pre-pandemic levels, due to federal statutory limitations on states’ abilities to remove people from the …


MHA Webinar Explores PACE Program Partnerships

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 co-morbidities, frequent …


Applications Open for Excellence in Governance Fellowship, Prepares Trustees to Lead

The MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship is now available to healthcare board members looking for innovative, effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. Applications are …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyAffordable Care Act 2.0: New Trends and Issues, New Urgency

“Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act– perhaps the most consequential healthcare legislation since LBJ’s passage of the Medicare Act in 1965. Except in healthcare circles, it will probably go unnoticed. …

Complicating matters, the political environment today is more complicated than in 2010 when the ACA became law. The economic environment is more challenging: the pandemic, inflation and economic downturn have taken their toll. Intramural tensions in key sectors have spiked as each fights for control and autonomy i.e. primary care vs. specialty medicine, investor-owned vs. not-for-profit hospitals, retail medicine & virtual vs. office-based services, carve-outs, direct contracting et al . Consolidation has widened capabilities and resources distancing big organizations from others. Today’s media attention to healthcare is more sophisticated. Employers are more frustrated. And the public’s confidence in the health system is at an all-time low. …“

Paul Keckley, March 19, 2023


News to Know

  • Registration is now open for the MHA Keystone Center Safe Patient Handling Conference.
  • The MHA is issuing 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 MHA Health Foundation will host a four-part webinar series MHA Board Governance Education that outlines the trends affecting current and future strategic plans, techniques for effectively communicating with stakeholders on key issues and ways to build trust, drive engagement and develop relationships.
  • The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forumat the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well.
  • The Root Cause Coalition is accepting requests for proposals to present at the 8th Annual National Summit on the Social Determinants of Health Dec. 3-5 in Kansas City.