Michigan’s Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Plans Announced
During a webinar this morning, the State will announce plans to address the gaps in the behavioral health workforce. Presentations include:
Social Worker Career Pathway for High School Students (SWCP) — Scheduled to launch Fall 2024
Community Health Worker Foundations in Behavioral Health Micro-credential Certification provided through the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance (MiCHWA)
Social Worker Career Awareness Toolkit available for TPM PartnersJoin on your computer, mobile app, or room device
Click here to join the meeting THIS MORNING, Monday, November 6, 2023, 11 AM EST (Meeting ID: 263 436 267 174, Passcode: 8zRutY)
Here is another webinar for SUD Providers….
LARA Webinar on the Updated Substance Use Disorder Service Rules for Counselors in Michigan.
The Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) is hosting a webinar with the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) on the revised Substance Use Disorder Program Administrate Rules relating to counseling services on November 29, 2023, from 1:30 - 3:00 pm. To register for the webinar, find a link here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Here are a few additional resources: SUD Administrative Rules, NEW: LARA SUD Rule Changes FAQs, NEW: Evidence Based Resources
Legislative Action
The Social Work Licensure Modernization Act (HB 5184 & 5185, Sponsored by Rep. Brabec) introduces changes to the social work licensure process in Michigan. The Act,
Increases the number of licensed social workers in Michigan.
Addresses workforce shortages in the mental health sector.
Reduces unnecessary and/or problematic barriers in licensure.
Aligns Michigan with national licensing legislative changes.
The Health Policy Committee is expected to hold its hearing on these bills on Thursday, November 9th, at 9:00 a.m. If you are interested in advancing this legislation, Contact your representatives or attend the hearing in Lansing.
Telehealth Bill Pending
If passed, HB 4579 will require the reimbursement rate for telehealth visits to be the same as reimbursements for office visits. The House is working on some logistical issues with this bill and is hopeful it will get a floor vote this week. Contact your legislator to support this bill.
Comments Welcome - Overtime Rules (Federal)
The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed Overtime Rule comment period ends soon. According to ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources) the proposed rule, while well-intentioned, presents challenges in significantly increasing the salary threshold for overtime exemptions. This change would substantially increase the cost of service delivery by over 1.1 billion within the first year alone for community providers. This has the potential to collapse access to services without commensurate funding. Link here to leave your comment.
Event Postponed
The MI Kids Now: Collaborative Partnership Opportunities to Support Children’s Behavioral Health event, scheduled for Nov. 29, is postponed due to ongoing litigation proceedings. The event will be rescheduled once the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has finalized settlement commitments. We are looking forward to enhanced partnership and transparent conversation related to the successful expansion of children’s behavioral health services. Source CMHA.
What I just read
$4 million in federal funds stretch millage dollars and enhance services.
In Washtenaw County, CCBHC funding has been combined with funding from the voter-approved Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage. Find out more at Washtenaw.org.
Communities of Excellence 2026 (COE) announced
COE announced its strategic partnerships with Tapp Network and PMG Consulting, advancing its mission to improve the quality of life for our nation’s residents by assisting communities in adopting the Baldrige-based Communities of Excellence Framework. Learn more here.
Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) seeks input from childcare providers, employers, and parents/caregivers for the recently formed Macomb County Child Care Coalition.
Contact the Coalition for more information.
State Rep. Jamie Thompson says, “The Legislature must act as issues persist at state psychiatric facilities.”
Last week, the State Rep. sent a letter to House Appropriations Behavioral Health Subcommittee Chair Felicia Brabec demanding the committee look into instances where the state’s juvenile mental health system has failed families in greater Detroit. Here is Rep. Thompson’s News Release.
Community Mental Health has made big strides over the past 12 months in Michigan.
See Second Wave Media story.
Michigan Health Endowment Fund Investments Announced
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund announced $14.3 million in new grants to drive aging supports, strategic solutions, and more. See MHEF for a list of the grantees.
State Legislation I am tracking…
Finally, here is a current list of the CCBHCS in Michigan
If you want to share news, please pass it along to dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com.
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