MDHHS announces Detroit Medical Center as first to apply for Maternal Levels of Care verification, receive health quality payment

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) announced today that DMC is the first hospital system in Michigan to complete applications for Maternal Levels of Care (MLoC) verification through The Joint Commission.

"Advancing maternal health outcomes in Michigan requires strong and strategic partnerships with Michigan hospitals and health systems," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "As the fourth state to launch the Maternal Levels of Care verification program, Michigan continues to lead the way nationally for our commitment to improving maternal health."

In April 2024, MDHHS announced it would begin providing quality payments to birthing hospitals fully participating in the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health and for applying for MLoC verification. DMC and other Michigan hospitals are embarking on this verification process to align with the highest benchmarks for maternal health services. The program is being funded by $9 million in general fund dollars and funds will be released to all participating hospitals in September.

MLoC verification is a comprehensive verification process developed to ensure hospitals meet rigorous standards for the care of pregnant and postpartum patients, including readiness, capability and effectiveness in identifying and managing complex maternal conditions, which may include transferring patients to a more appropriate level of care as needed.

Supporting MLoC verification is one part of MDHHS' broader initiative to address and improve maternal health disparities and outcomes. These efforts align with national strategies to strengthen maternal care systems and reflect DMC's proactive approach in championing innovative and proven practices in health care.

"Being the first health system in Michigan to seek Maternal Levels of Care Verification is a testament to our commitment to improving maternal and infant health in our city," said Brittany Lavis, Detroit Medical Center chief executive officer. "We share the vision of Maternal Levels of Care Verification to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by providing risk-appropriate care. This is work we have already been doing and that we are deeply committed to. The DMC is home to Michigan's first and only hospital for women, and we've been the destination for women's care for more than 150 years. Our commitment to leading women's care will not be just a legacy, but will also define our future as we continue to raise the bar for health care for the most vulnerable women and infants in our state."

Birthing hospitals wishing to learn more about MLC verification can visit Michigan Health and Hospital Association's Maternal Levels of Care Toolkit website.

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