MHA Keystone Center PSO Annual Meeting May 3

The healthcare workforce is at higher risk of harm due to violence than other professional fields.  Recent increases in workplace violence represent a major barrier to both staff and patient safety, prompting the need for additional resources, training and education.

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Annual Meeting brings together national safety and clinical experts each year to discuss trending topics in healthcare. The 2023 meeting will be held virtually 9 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. May 3, focused on workforce safety and security. Speaker presentations include:

  • Stephen Weiler, emergency management specialist at HSS, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner, will provide an overview of HSS and its physical risk assessments.
  • Brian Uridge, deputy director at the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety will outline actions health systems can take to address and reduce healthcare violence. He will also provide examples of safety training procedures and policies for members to replicate.

Registration is free and available to MHA Keystone Center PSO members. Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.

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, (R-IN) are the original cosponsors of the bill, and the MHA urges all members to contact their U.S. representative to ask them to cosponsor H.R. 7961. Contact information is available through the American Hospital Association’s action alert on the bill.

The increase in acts of violence against healthcare workers in every setting — inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory and home care — is frightening, and the MHA is committed to doing everything possible to respond to this crisis and show support for those delivering patient care. In addition to offering federal-level protections to healthcare workers, the SAVE Act would provide grants to hospitals for programs to help reduce the incidence of violence in care settings. These grants could be used for training hospital personnel, coordinating with state and local law enforcement, and purchasing equipment or technology that will assist in creating a safer environment.

On a related note, the MHA has developed workplace safety posters for members to display throughout their facilities to highlight the consequences of causing physical harm to healthcare workers or hospital property. Complimentary copies of the materials are available to MHA members upon request.

Members and other citizens concerned about the safety of healthcare workers are encouraged to ask their U.S. representative to cosponsor the SAVE Act as quickly as possible. It is among the MHA’s highest legislative priorities at the federal and state level. For more information, contact Laura Appel at the MHA.

Workplace Safety and Minority Health Recognized in April

National organizations are recognizing April as Workplace Violence Awareness Month and Minority Health Month, each of which are key priorities for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The Alliance Against Workplace Violence is leading efforts for Workplace Violence Awareness Month while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health is promoting Minority Health Month.

MHA CEO Brian Peters
MHA CEO Brian Peters

“The mission of the MHA is to advance the health of individuals and communities,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “Ensuring the safety of our healthcare workers and improving efforts to address health equity, diversity and inclusion fulfills our mission and is critical to every Michigan hospital and community.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector had the highest distribution of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the private sector in 2020, while OSHA data indicates healthcare workers are nearly four times more likely on average to experience violence than individuals in other industries.

Improving workplace safety in hospitals has been the focus of the MHA, the MHA Keystone Center and Michigan hospitals since the MHA Workplace Safety Collaborative was launched in 2019 with the goal to reduce injuries and increase safety awareness through educational events, webinar series and insights from subject matter experts.

With reported rates of violence against healthcare workers increasing during surges of COVID-19 hospitalizations, the MHA has actively advocated for House Bill 5682. This legislation would double the fines for assaulting a healthcare employee or volunteer in any healthcare setting. To help increase awareness of protecting healthcare workers, the MHA has developed and provided to MHA members free of charge workplace violence posters.

Diversity, equity and inclusion is another key component of the activities of the MHA Keystone Center. The MHA Board of Trustees endorsed in 2020 the Address Racism and Health Inequities pledge, which has since been embraced by all MHA member hospitals and hospital systems. The pledge expresses the need for hospitals to commit to addressing disparities, dismantling institutional racism and achieving health equity. The MHA Keystone Center also released the Eliminating Disparities to Advance Health Equity and Improve Quality guide, which is to be used by hospitals to assess strategies aimed at reducing disparities, achieving equity and improving quality.

“I am very proud of the work the MHA Keystone Center has made on both workplace safety and diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Sarah Scranton, MPA, MPP, vice president, safety and quality, MHA, and executive director, MHA Keystone Center. “The safety of caregivers and addressing health disparities can significantly impact the quality and safety of care delivered inside a hospital.”

Health equity is achieved when all members of society enjoy a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social determinants of health contribute to racial and ethnic minority groups having disproportionate health outcomes and include neighborhood and physical environment, health and healthcare, occupation and job conditions, income and wealth, and education. The MHA and the MHA Keystone Center have long been committed to addressing health disparities, which is a foundational concept that shapes all the organization’s quality improvement and safety efforts.

More information about the MHA’s efforts and resources on workplace safety and health equity can be found at mha.org.

MHA Monday Report April 11, 2022

MHA Monday Report

MHA Covid-19 update

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of April 4

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported there were an average of 752 new confirmed and suspected COVID-19 cases per day from April 2 through April 6. As of April 6, 453 adults and 17 children were hospitalized with confirmed and suspected cases; 96 adults were in intensive care units, 39 of them …


capitol building

Prior Authorization Bill Signed into Law

Legislation to decrease wait times for commercial insurance prior authorization requests was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 7. Senate Bill 247, introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), will shorten the timeline for approval to seven calendar days or 72 hours for urgent requests, as well as ensure that …


Medicaid Proposed Policy to Allow Back Transfers for NICU Infants

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently released a proposed policy, effective July 1, 2022, allowing authorization for return transfers of stabilized infants from a neonatal intensive care unit back to the community hospital from which the patient was …


Proposed Rule to Update Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Payment for FY 2023

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient rehabilitation facilities for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. Key highlights of the proposal include …


CMS Releases FY 2023 Proposed Rule for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1, 2022. Key highlights of the proposal include …


Webinar Focused on Governance and Leadership Accountability

Where is the line between governance and management? The truth is each board must set its own boundaries on governance versus management decisions, and boards must continuously revisit this line. The webinar You and Your Board: Creating a Synergistic Combination, offered from noon to 1 p.m. April 27 …


MHA Hosts Twitter Chat on Emergency Department Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

The MHA hosted a one-hour Twitter chat March 4 to discuss Emergency Department (ED) Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). The chat allowed participants to engage with their peers and share information and resources related to ED MOUD, as many of these programs help address …


Explore Resources During Workplace Violence Awareness Month

Healthcare workers across the country are experiencing a growing rate of incidents of violence against front-line caregivers, including workers in Michigan. In fact, healthcare workers are nearly four times more likely to experience violence than individuals in other industries, according to the …


Paul KeckleyThe Keckley Report

Medicare Trustees’ NHE Report: Interesting Read but Understandably Flawed

“Last Monday, Medicare Trustees released the 56th edition of their National Health Expenditures (NHE) Forecast for 2021-2030 which is widely used by policymakers and operators to gauge what’s ahead for U.S. healthcare. Regrettably, it’s flawed.”

Paul Keckley, April 4, 2022


News to Know

The Circle of Life Awards recognize innovative palliative or end-of-life care providers that measure and evaluate the impact of their work on patients, family and/or the community. Part 1 applications for the 2023 awards will be accepted through May 31.

Explore Resources During Workplace Violence Awareness Month

Healthcare workers across the country are experiencing a growing rate of incidents of violence against front-line caregivers, including workers in Michigan. In fact, healthcare workers are nearly four times more likely to experience violence than individuals in other industries, according to the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA). In conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s declaration of April as Workplace Violence Awareness Month, the MHA is highlighting related resources that are available to its members.

The American Hospital Association has a dedicated webpage providing several workforce and workplace violence prevention tools for hospitals. Additionally, an OSHA publication titled Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers provides healthcare workers with tips to identify and assess workplace violence hazards and detailed information for developing violence prevention programs.

The MHA, the MHA Keystone Center and Michigan hospitals are partnering to address violence against healthcare workers through de-escalation and resiliency trainings and through the work of the MHA Workplace Safety Collaborative. The collaborative launched in March 2019 with the goal to reduce injuries and increase safety awareness through educational events, webinar series and insights from subject matter experts.

The MHA has also developed workplace safety posters for members to display throughout their facilities, communicating the consequences of committing physical harm toward healthcare workers or hospital property. The informational posters are geared toward patients, families and visitors, with various creative options available in two sizes. Complimentary copies of the materials are available to MHA members by request through an online order form. Nonmembers may purchase materials at cost.

The MHA Keystone Center collects member data on workplace safety that is used to determine areas in which their efforts should be focused, especially for workplace violence. Additionally, members can view the Workplace Safety dashboard to recognize trends in their reportable data. Members are encouraged to submit their OSHA recordable incident rate; lost time case rate; and days away, restricted or transfer rate each month in the MHA Keystone Center’s data reporting platform, KeyMetrics. Those with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 31, 2022

MHA Monday Report

MHA Covid-19 updateCombating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of Jan. 24

As the number of new cases and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 begin to diminish in Michigan, both Pfizer and Moderna have launched trials for vaccines targeting the omicron variant of the coronavirus. The variant is estimated to make up 99% of the current cases in the United States. …


Peters Talks Healthcare with Paul W. Smith on WJR’s Live from Lansing Broadcast

Detroit’s WJR News Talk Radio broadcast Jan. 27 the Paul W. Smith “Live from Lansing” show as part of its annual coverage of legislative and policy issues facing the state the morning after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. …


Bills on ED Violence, COVID-19 Medication, Auto No-fault Discussed in State Legislature

The Michigan Legislature returned to Lansing the week of Jan. 24 to address several bills relevant to Michigan hospitals. In the House Government Operations Committee, testimony was taken on a pair of bills to expand penalties for assaulting …


MI care matters

Doctor/Breakthrough Speaker Recalls COVID-19 Hospitalization in MHA Podcast

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 …


Cybersecurity Member Forum Scheduled for March

Cyberattacks are a clear and present danger to patient care and safety. Questions regarding organizational alignment with the current cybersecurity environment cannot be answered solely by considering the electronic defense measures that are in place. Information technology experts can lead …


The Keckley Report

Paul Keckley

The Uncertainty Agenda for Hospitals in 2022

“The plight of hospitals during the omicron pandemic is prominent in news coverage. Workforce shortages and bed capacity issues grab headlines, especially in regions where the omicron wave is surging.”

“Public health officials predict this wave will pass in the next 1-2 months while cautioning about future variant possibilities. This adds to unprecedented uncertainties facing hospitals.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 25, 2022


MHA in the News

The MHA responded to several media requests the week of Jan. 24 that focused on the status of COVID-19 and healthcare workforce sustainability.

Bills on ED Violence, COVID-19 Medication, Auto No-fault Discussed in State Legislature

Michelle Pena, chief nursing officer for Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, testifies on HBs 5084 and 5682.

The Michigan Legislature returned to Lansing the week of Jan. 24 to address several bills relevant to Michigan hospitals. In the House Government Operations Committee, testimony was taken on a pair of bills to expand penalties for assaulting emergency department employees. The House Health Policy Committee held a hearing on legislation to allow physicians to prescribe certain off-label medications to patients terminally ill with COVID-19, and a bill to make changes to Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance law was introduced in the House.

The MHA provided written testimony in support of House Bills (HBs) 5084 and 5682, which would expand the penalties for assaulting emergency department employees. In addition, Michelle Pena, chief nursing officer for Mercy Health Saint Mary’s in Grand Rapids, testified before the committee Jan. 26 in support of the bills. The legislation would bring Michigan in line with 32 other states where it is a felony to assault healthcare workers or emergency medical personnel. HBs 5084 and 5682 were introduced by Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden), respectively, and would provide further protection within hospital emergency departments. The MHA offered the committee potential amendments to expand the legislation to protect healthcare workers in all care settings and will continue to monitor the legislation.

The House Health Policy Committee took testimony on HB 5637, which would allow physicians to prescribe certain off-label medications to patients terminally ill with COVID-19. The bill amends the “Right to Try Act,” which is intended to give patients access to medications that are still in trial with the Food and Drug Administration for their condition or have already been approved to treat another diagnosis. As currently written, HB 5367 would allow off-label medications to treat COVID-19 to be prescribed only by the treating physician, and the bill would not require healthcare facilities to offer new medications or services that they do not already provide. The MHA has not taken a position on HB 5637.

Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington) introduced HB 5698 in the House Jan. 26 to modify the Michigan auto no-fault insurance law. Since the July 1 implementation of new reimbursement tiers, hospitals have faced significant issues in provider reimbursement, in addition to patients being transferred to hospitals after losing access to post-acute care. The bill seeks to clarify payments between auto insurers and providers and establish additional provisions to reimburse long-term care treatments. The legislation was referred to the House Insurance Committee. The MHA supports the bill as part of broader legal and regulatory efforts to clarify the existing law and will keep members apprised of its progress.

For more information on state legislation related to healthcare, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 24, 2022

MHA Monday Report

MICNP and MSMS Address Legislative Policy Panel

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Jan. 19 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals. The meeting was highlighted by presentations from representatives of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners and the Michigan State Medical Society …


Grants Awarded to Address Substance Use Disorder in Upper Peninsula

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced Jan. 19 that four Upper Peninsula community organizations will receive $490,000 in grant funding to help them address gaps in service for individuals and families facing substance use disorder and to support the development and growth …


Register Now for Jan. 28 Workplace Violence Response Training

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall. This affects workers not just physically, but mentally, contributing to burnout and worsening turnover. …


Virtual Breakthrough

MHA Breakthrough Discounts on Registration, Hotel Rates Expire Soon

The MHA’s major membership meeting Breakthrough will be held Feb. 17 and 18 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The early registration discount will expire Jan. 28 and the discounted room rate at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will expire Jan. 26. …


Nominations Open Through Feb. 18 for MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award

The valuable role of Michigan hospitals and healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic is unmistakable. Brave personnel throughout these facilities have worked for two years to care for the staggering number of patients coming through their doors. …


Member Forum to Examine MHA Strategic Action Plan

The MHA will host a virtual member forum from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 24 to outline the MHA 2021-2022 program year’s strategic action plan, which the MHA Board of Trustees approved in August. The forum will review the priorities set for the year, progress to date, and the tactics the association will use to …


Trustees Strategic Planning Webinar and New AHA Trustee Insights Available

The webinar Governance Megatrends: What is the Impact on Your Board? Is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 26 and will focus on relevant trends to the board and how to perform a comprehensive review of an existing strategic plan through pandemic-era eyes. Registrants will examine …


Salary.comSalary.com Offers 2022 Compensation Best Practices E-book

Salary.com, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner, is sharing its “10 Compensation Best Practices” e-book as a resource for hospital leaders to consider in developing compensation strategies. Hospitals and health systems continue to transform, and compensation …


News to Know

  • The MHA will host a free Lunch and Learn webinar from noon to 12:45 p.m. ET Feb. 1 to provide an update on the latest labor market trends and leading practices to attract and keep valuable employees.
  • DataGen hosted a national webinar Jan. 19 to review the 2022 Medicare fee-for-service outpatient prospective payment system final rule and hospital impact analysis. A recording from the webinar is available online.

MHA in the News

WXYZ Detroit interviewed MHA CEO Brian Peters Jan. 19 to discuss the impact the COVID-19 surge is having on health systems statewide.


Register Now for Jan. 28 Workplace Violence Response Training

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall. This affects workers not just physically, but mentally, contributing to burnout and worsening turnover.

The virtual training TEAM® Essentials: Recognizing and Managing Aggression will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 28 and is designed for healthcare workers and volunteers who may encounter angry, disruptive or potentially dangerous individuals. The training will teach participants how to protect themselves and others by applying the TEAM® Aggression CycleSM techniques to verbally de-escalate and manage volatile situations. An organization registration fee of $100 allows for multiple employees and volunteers in one hospital to take advantage of this training.

The faculty for this event is an experienced law enforcement professional with HSS, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner organization with expertise in physical security and emergency management.

Contact Erica Leyko at the MHA to register for TEAM® Essentials: Recognizing and Managing Aggression.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 17, 2022

MHA Monday Report

MHA Covid-19 update

Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of Jan. 10

The state of Michigan held a press conference Jan. 11 to discuss the rapid rise in case numbers, hospitalizations (especially pediatric hospitalizations) and positivity rates. Speakers urged all residents who are eligible to be both vaccinated and boosted as quickly as possible. Representatives from Children’s Hospital of Michigan joined …


Virtual BreakthroughExplore Ways to Advance Health Equity, Workforce and Resilience at Breakthrough

MHA Breakthrough, which will be held in-person Feb. 17 and 18 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City, provides a venue for crucial conversations about the healthcare crisis and ways providers can lead recovery using information …


Application Closing Soon for ED Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Initiative

In partnership with the MHA Keystone Center, the Michigan Opioid Partnership and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has launched an Emergency Department  Medication for Opioid Use Disorder …


Active Shooter and Workplace Violence Response Training Essential to Safety

The threat or use of physical force or harassment against a healthcare worker very often results in injury, psychological trauma or stress. Aggressive behavior and violence are becoming a too frequent reality, and healthcare employees need to understand the actions and behaviors needed to protect themselves …


PSOPatient Safety Organization Annual Meeting Will be Held March 9

The 2022 MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization Annual Meeting will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. March 9. Participants will hear about topics related to the intersection of health equity and safety, anticoagulation-related medication events, addressing violence in …


MHA CEO Brian Peters appears on Mid-Michigan NOW on Jan. 13, 2022.Headline Roundup: Week of Jan. 10 for COVID-19 in Michigan

The MHA has been actively fielding and responding to media requests related to the surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the vaccine mandate from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services …


The Keckley Report

Paul Keckley

The PE Playbook: What to Expect in 2022

“Private equity’s impact in healthcare delivery accelerated during the pandemic. Next year, it’s likely to continue with profound implications for traditional providers. The facts are these …”

Paul Keckley, Dec. 20, 2021


News to Know

  • The MHA will host a free webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. EST Jan. 25 to provide an update on price transparency and the No Surprises Act, including what is now required for compliance.
  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Jan. 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.