The MHA recently finalized talking points on Michigan’s Mental Health Framework to support hospital engagement with policymakers and legislators.
The release follows the association’s formal comment letter outlining hospital concerns with the proposed framework, particularly related to access to care, administrative burden and implementation challenges.
The talking points provide clear and consistent messaging to guide member advocacy efforts. The materials outline potential risks, including that the framework may:
Put behavioral health access at risk for Medicaid Patients.
Create delays in crisis care due to redundant assessment requirements.
Add significant administrative and documentation burden during a period of workforce shortages.
Require extensive training and certification processes that remove clinicians from direct patient care.
Lack sufficient implementation time and infrastructure to support a successful rollout.
Expand requirements broadly across provider types without clear prioritization.
Move forward without transparent data demonstrating improved outcomes.
Members are encouraged to use the talking points in meetings, calls and written communication with legislators and state officials. Direct engagement will be critical to ensure that any changes to the Mental Health Framework strengthen access to care and avoid unintended disruptions to care delivery.
Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team.