This program provides birthing hospital leaders with an independent, external evaluation of their organization’s maternal health expertise, equipment and resources. The assessment determines the facility’s ability to care for many obstetric events, ranging from low- to moderate-risk pregnancies, as well as complex maternal medical conditions, obstetric complications and fetal conditions.

Yes, all birthing hospitals in the state of Michigan are eligible, regardless of Joint Commission certification status. 

The MHA Keystone Center will support birthing hospitals by providing reimbursement for completing The Joint Commission’s MLC Verification Program. This includes covering the annual fee for three years, plus the one-time, on-site visit fee during the three-year verification period. Additionally, the MHA Keystone Center will provide logistical and technical assistance to hospitals who wish to apply for a share of the $9 million in state funding that supports staff time for MI AIM participation and MLC implementation.

• Michigan birthing hospitals should apply to the program by Aug. 1, 2024 in order to maximize available state funding. A hospital will then be surveyed four to six months after application to The Joint Commission. The MHA is encouraging birthing hospitals to complete an application which begins the process of receiving an MLC award through The Joint Commission’s Verification Program.

  • Birthing hospitals accredited through The Joint Commission may apply using The Joint Commission’s Connect Portal. Please contact your accreditation department to connect with the primary accreditation contact for this resource.

  • Birthing hospitals accredited through another regulatory body should contact verification@jointcommission.org to be granted access to the Connect Portal.

Funds are available in state fiscal year 2024 (ending Sept. 30, 2024) for hospitals that participate with MI AIM and have applied for MLC through The Joint Commission by Aug. 1, 2024. The MHA is working with MDHHS and the Legislature to continue the funding in subsequent fiscal years.

Yes, Michigan birthing hospitals must participate with MI AIM and apply for MLC verification through The Joint Commission by Aug. 1, 2024 to be eligible for funding. By applying before this deadline, the birthing hospital will be eligible for reimbursement through the MHA Keystone Center to cover costs over the three-year verification period.

Payments will be issued to all qualifying birthing hospitals in September 2024 directly from Michigan Medicaid. Hospitals qualify if fully participating in MI AIM and  have applied to participate in The Joint Commission's MLC Verification Program.  

Hospitals will receive a quality payment calculated based on the number of Medicaid covered deliveries, severe maternal morbidity rate and inclusive of $50,000 in base funding.  

Note that The Joint Commission fees for participating in the MLC Verification Program are being covered by MDHHS via the MHA Keystone Center.

Yes, every birthing hospital in Michigan is eligible to participate in the MI AIM Collaborative. Generally, the program year begins in January and runs for an entire calendar year. However, a birthing hospital is eligible to join the collaborative at any time.

For more details, please visit the 2024 Designation Criteria page.