New MDHHS Leadership Announced
MDHHS announces key staffing changes and reorganization to further commitment to children, youth, and families
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced significant staffing changes and a departmental reorganization to enhance service delivery and administrative efficiency, focusing on children, youth, and families. David Knezek has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing various administrations, including the Economic Stability Administration and the department's vast budget. Emily Skrzypczak steps up as Chief of Staff, managing Tribal Government Services and Policy. Meanwhile, Lewis Roubal, a long-serving leader in the department, announced his retirement but will continue as Senior Advisor of Human Services until then. Laura Blodgett has been promoted to Senior Deputy Director of Communications, overseeing crucial communication initiatives. A notable change is the elevation of the Children’s Services Administration, which now reports directly to MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel, emphasizing the department's commitment to child safety and family well-being. As the department moves forward with its Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, the reorganization is designed to increase executive engagement and oversight at the highest level of the department. Read the MDHHS News Release.
Medicaid Bulletin
Medicaid Bulletin MMP 23-63 discusses Change to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Code Updates and is issued on November 27, 2023. Medicaid Letters can be accessed here on the MDHHS website.
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It’s time for leadership in our mental health crisis - That’s Randy Richardville’s Opinion.
Former Senate Majority Leader, Randy Richardville, published an op ed in the Detroit News on November 23. Here is a summary. In February 2019, former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was grieving the loss of Travis Weber, a talented young attorney and key member of his team, who had tragically taken his own life. This incident profoundly affected Richardville, leading him to explore mental health issues more deeply. He joined the local mental health authority board and the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan. Richardville critiques the term "mental health crisis" as too vague and proposes specific categories like "Mental Health Abandonment," "Mental Health with no Bootstraps," "Mental Health Quagmire," "Mental Health Enigma," and "Mental Health Exacerbation" to better describe various aspects of the crisis. He emphasizes the need for action and leadership to address these complex mental health issues in Michigan and beyond. Here is a link to the article, which is behind a paywall.