Tag: workforce development

MHA Webinars Focus on Conflict Resolution and Changing Employee Values

Member News

The MHA and the Huron Consulting Group are hosting two webinars focused on helping hospitals attract, retain and promote high-performing talent.

The How to Have Tough Conversations in Healthcare webinar will provide practical strategies to help attendees become a more effective communicator on Oct. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. Speaker Pam Beitlich, DNP, APRN, will reveal ways to set expectations and deliver difficult messages and will allow time for participants to practice managing conflict.

A Strategic Approach to Workforce Development webinar will highlight outdated norms in the work setting on Nov. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. Speaker Holly Lorenz, DNP, RN, will share how to respond and adapt to change as values and employee expectations change.

Individuals can register for $100 per login per webinar. CME and continuing education credit for nurses and pharmacists is available for each webinar attended. By attending both webinars, participants may earn up to two (2) ACHE Qualified Education Hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation.

Members should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA to register for the entire series. Questions about webinar series should be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Governor Creates New Department to Support Workforce and Talent Development

Member News
capitol building

capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature may be on summer recess but work in the state capitol continues. The governor made headlines the week of July 10 with the creation of a new state department, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP). MiLEAP brings together key partners in state government with the goal of supporting and growing the state’s knowledge economy.

MiLEAP contains three distinct entities: the Office of Early Childhood Education, the Office of Higher Education and the Office of Education Partnerships. All three offices will be under one single director who will officially join the governor’s cabinet. MiLEAP will be tasked with collaborating with the Michigan Department of Education and state Board of Education, among other stakeholders.

Michigan hospitals and health systems rely on the state’s knowledge economy and a focus on supporting talent development within the state recognizes the significant need for skilled individuals across multiple healthcare fields. Gov. Whitmer has emphasized her desire to see 60% of the state’s residents with a credential or degree by 2030 and MiLEAP is another tangible demonstration of her commitment to addressing the state’s talent needs. Building long term supports, including a dedicated member in her cabinet, and recognizing that building a pipeline of education opportunity supports the success of employers in the state is a great step towards tangible gains in the workforce crisis.

The MHA will continue to partner with the governor and her administration on workforce and talent development, with MiLEAP being a new strategic opportunity for cross collaboration in support of healthcare careers.

Gov. Whitmer also signed several important pieces of legislation, including the remaining sexual assault prevention bills. Senate Bills 69 through 72, requiring medical record retention and an additional adult presence for certain medical exams, were officially signed into law. These bills pair with earlier signed legislation, House Bills 4120, 4121 and 4122, which require license revocation for individuals convicted of sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and require employers of mandatory reporters to distribute training materials.

Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Executive Budget Recommendation Supports Hospitals & Healthcare Workforce

News Releases, Member News, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare
Brian Peters

The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

Brian PetersGov. Whitmer and her administration demonstrated their commitment to protecting hospitals and supporting healthcare workers with the release today of the 2024 executive budget recommendation. Not only does it continue to protect vital funding pools in the state budget, but also provides health equity resources and includes significant workforce investments that should help grow the healthcare talent pipeline.

Important items included in the state budget include support for rural and critical access hospitals, obstetrical services, graduate medical education, the Healthy Michigan Plan and Michigan’s Medicaid population. The investments to expand the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program and to implement recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force should help improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in care. The announced workforce development investments such as lowering the eligibility age for Michigan Reconnect are long-term strategies that should help fill the incoming talent pipeline as staffing challenges continue to impact hospitals and their overall patient capacity.

Actions like today show Gov. Whitmer is a healthcare champion and on behalf of Michigan’s hospitals, we thank her for helping Michigan advance the health and wellness of individuals and communities. The MHA is committed to working with lawmakers throughout the budget process to identify funding solutions that expand access to care, protect the viability of hospitals and assist healthcare workers.

MHA Board Meeting Focused on Workforce, Other Healthcare Challenges

Member News

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the MHA Board of Trustees had robust conversations about key priorities for healthcare and the MHA. Among them were the MHA’s role as healthcare and public policy continue to evolve; workforce development and shortages (including $300 million appropriated by the Michigan Legislature; see related article); auto no-fault insurance; staffing agency challenges; COVID-19 data trends; Medicaid payment and policy; and much more. The MHA will use much of the board’s discussion to address strategic priorities this program year and beyond.

Members with questions about the MHA Board of Trustees may contact Amy Barkholz at the MHA.