January 25, 2008 |
|
COMPLAINT ISSUED BY NLRB AGAINST HACKLEY HOSPITAL
DOERR NAMED AS MNA CEAP COORDINATOR
TAKE THE 2008 HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA SURVEY
BRING A WHOLE GROUP!
SCHIP TRIES IT AGAIN
If you are having difficulty reading this version of NurseLine or accessing the links, go to www.minurses.org.
COMPLAINT ISSUED BY NLRB AGAINST HACKLEY HOSPITAL
In the latter part of 2007, Hackley Hospital and Mercy General Health Partners, both located in Muskegon, announced plans to merge under the ownership of Trinity Health. Because MNA represents the nurses at Hackley Hospital, it is important that MNA receives materials regarding the proposed merger, such as the letter of intent to merge the two hospitals, the feasibility study, and other reports and studies related to the impact on the nurses. After several attempts to get this information, the Hospital has still not responded to MNA.
MNA has filed an unfair labor practice charge (ULP charge) with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that the Hospital is violating the law which states that the Hospital must provide relevant and necessary information to MNA as requested in order to fulfill its' duty to bargain. The NLRB investigated the ULP charge and determined that there was sufficient evidence to issue a complaint against the Hospital alleging that it was violating labor laws by refusing to provide the information. The next step is for the NLRB to hold a trial or hearing where an administrative law judge will hear all the evidence and testimony and will determine if the Hospital has in fact violated the labor laws. If so, the Hospital will be ordered to produce the information MNA has requested. MNA hopes to continue to discuss this issue with the Hospitals' administration to try to obtain the information before going to trial.
More details on this developing story will be shared as they become available.
DOERR NAMED AS MNA CEAP COORDINATOR
MNA is pleased to announce that Mary Jo Doerr, MSN, APRN, BC has been selected as Continuing Education Approval Program (CEAP) Coordinator. Using criteria developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Jo will guide a peer review system of nursing continuing education activities and providers. MNA is accredited by the ANCC as an approver of nursing continuing education as well as a provider of nursing continuing education. To read more about Jo's background, click here. She can be reached at 888.MI.NURSE, ext. 239 or jo.doerr@minurses.org. Welcome, Jo!
YOUR COMMENTS NEEDED ON ALL HAZARDS RESPONSE PLAN
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Office of Public Health Preparedness is seeking public comment on the implementation of the Michigan Comprehensive All Hazards Public Health Response Plan. The emergency response plan describes the concepts and structure under which MDCH will operate in terms of prevention and mitigation activities, preparedness, response, and recovery from a public health emergency. The plan, a comment questionnaire and a blog will be available online from January 24 through February 24 and can be accessed from the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Web site. Take the survey today!
BRING A WHOLE GROUP!
Planning on coming to the Michigan Nurses MARCH on Wednesday, March 12? Why not bring a car or van load of co-workers with you? During the day you'll hear all the latest news on current legislation, meet with legislators and participate in a walk down to the Capitol with a rally on the Capitol steps. Top the day off with an actual special legislative hearing on a nursing issue. Make sure you're in Lansing for Michigan Nurses MARCH! - register today! Don't forget that you can also register on-line!
SCHIP TRIES IT AGAIN
The House Democrats tried again this week to override President Bush's veto of a $35 billion increase to the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) but the count fell short by 15 votes. Is this a dead issue? Not according to The Washington Post, who quoted House Majority Senate Leader Steny H. Hoyer saying to his fellow legislators, "This won't be your last opportunity this year to address this issue."
Be sure to check out the MNA Events Calendar for all upcoming events and activities!