MICHIGAN – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced that 53 hospitals across the state have met the highest standards for maternal health services and have applied for Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) verification through The Joint Commission. Michigan leads the nation with the most hospitals seeking this verification, underscoring the state’s dedication to providing high-quality maternal health care.
The MLC verification process, developed in partnership with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), is designed to ensure hospitals meet rigorous standards in the care of pregnant and postpartum patients. This verification assesses hospitals’ readiness, capability, and effectiveness in managing complex maternal health conditions, including the ability to transfer patients to a higher level of care when necessary.
“The successful launch of the Maternal Levels of Care Verification Program in Michigan is a testament to our commitment to excellence and a significant step forward in advancing maternal health,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Success can be achieved when we align efforts, form true partnerships, and invest in maternal and infant health to improve outcomes for parents.”
In April 2024, MDHHS introduced a new initiative offering quality payments to birthing hospitals that fully participate in the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) and apply for MLC verification. These payments, determined by the number of Medicaid-covered births and each hospital’s maternal morbidity rate, aim to support ongoing maternal quality improvement initiatives and related implementation costs. The state has allocated $9 million from its budget to fund these maternal health improvement efforts.
“We applaud each of the hospitals and their birthing teams for the time and effort they spent over recent weeks to complete the application process,” said Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. “This work signifies the dedication Michigan birthing hospitals have toward providing high quality and safe care to Michigan mothers and babies.”
Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin, president and CEO of The Joint Commission, also expressed support for the initiative: “The Joint Commission commends the state of Michigan, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, and Michigan hospitals for their commitment to excellence in maternal and neonatal care. We look forward to working closely with Michigan hospitals to provide support and validation of their maternal capabilities and policies for formal level of maternal care determination.”
Supporting MLC verification is part of a broader MDHHS strategy to address and improve maternal health disparities and outcomes across the state. In a pioneering effort, the Detroit Medical Center became the first hospital system in Michigan to complete its MLC verification application last month. These initiatives align with national strategies aimed at strengthening maternal care systems and reducing maternal mortality rates.
“As the country takes steps to reduce the unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality, ACOG applauds the Michigan hospitals that are aiming to make birth safer in their state by applying for MLC verification,” said Dr. Christopher Zahn, ACOG Chief of Clinical Practice and Health Equity and Quality. “MLC verification benefits hospitals, clinicians, and patients by helping hospitals identify and address gaps in capabilities and personnel to ensure pregnant and postpartum individuals receive appropriate care.”
Hospitals interested in learning more about the MLC verification process can visit the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s Maternal Levels of Care webpage for further information.
