Bits & Pieces - April 2026 
President's Message
Spring Forward Together: Growing Our Community, Strengthening Our Future
Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh possibilities; it is also an ideal time to reflect on how far our organization has come and where we are headed next.
At the heart of everything we do is member engagement. Our organization exists and thrives because members choose to participate, share their expertise, and invest their time. Whether through volunteering, serving on a committee, or stepping into leadership roles, engagement strengthens both our organization and the professionals within it.
Active involvement is more than service; it is professional development in action. Members who engage develop leadership and communication skills, broaden their professional networks, and gain valuable experience that supports career growth. These relationships and opportunities often extend well beyond our organization, creating lasting professional connections and collaboration.
As we look to the future, it is important that we continue to grow inclusively and creatively. We encourage members to think beyond traditional roles and invite colleagues who may not yet see themselves represented. Risk managers and attorneys remain essential to our community; however, patient safety professionals, nurses with an interest in risk management, quality leaders, and students also bring vital perspectives. A diverse and inclusive membership strengthens our conversations, drives innovation, and helps ensure our organization remains dynamic and relevant.
This spirit of connection and growth will be front and center at our Annual Meeting on May 20 and 21, held in Port Huron, Michigan. Our Annual Meeting is packed with sought‑after speakers, engaging educational sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities. The beautiful waterfront venue provides an inspiring setting for learning, conversation, and reflection.
As you plan to attend, I encourage you to think about bringing a colleague or introducing someone new to our organization. One invitation can open the door to professional growth, fresh ideas, and expanded collaboration, while helping our organization continue to build momentum. Together, we can strengthen our community, support professional development, and ensure continued growth. Thank you for your engagement, your commitment, and your willingness to help our organization move forward this spring and beyond.
Becki Wolters, CPHRM
2025-2026 MSHRM President
Board of Directors Election Voting
VOTING CLOSES FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH AT 5:00 PM
MSHRM members should have received two emails from ElectionBuddy with their voting link for the 2026–2027 Board of Directors election. If you don’t recall seeing them, please take a moment to check your spam or junk folder.
If you still can’t locate your ballot, reach out to Sarah Moffitt, Association Administrator, at [email protected] for assistance. Your participation matters—thank you for taking a moment to vote!
Education Committee Update
Register for the ANNUAL MEETING Today
The Education Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 12:15 PM.
The Education Committee has put together a fantastic agenda for the Annual Meeting this year on May 20-21, 2026, in Port Huron, MI. We have lined up nationally known speakers such as Dr. Gerald Hickson, a national leader in patient safety and professional accountability, Monica Cooke, a nationally known risk management expert in mental health, and Brain Peters, the CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association will be providing an update on Healthcare in Michigan. Topics include Obstetric Risk and Litigation, Trauma Informed Medical Care, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Mental Health Risks, Workplace Violence, and The Pursuit of High Reliability (9 CPHRM credits). Please plan on joining us for two full days of incredible presentations! Watch for more information on the MSHRM Facebook page.
Chris & Nicole
Sponsorship Committee Update
Spring has sprung, and Sponsorship opportunities are in the air!
We can't wait for our very first MSHRM Scavenger Hunt!
· We’re excited to introduce our very first MSHRM Scavenger Hunt, taking place during our Annual Conference in Port Huron this May. The conference offers a fantastic opportunity to network, learn from engaging speakers, and participate in the Scavenger Hunt—where attendees can connect with sponsors and have a chance to win a prize.
· Fundraising Goal: Our fundraising goal is $34,000, and we’re pleased to share that we’ve raised $26,850 to date, including individual donations. That puts us $7,150 closer to our goal. As we continue our efforts, we remain mindful of the evolving organizational budget landscape and are grateful for the continued support.
· Outreach Initiatives: We are also continuing our outreach efforts, including exploring opportunities to expand our outreach to colleges and universities offering programs in law, compliance, risk management, and nursing. Engaging with these institutions allows us to strengthen our network and attract new members aligned with MSHRM’s mission.
· Thank You and an Invitation to New Sponsors: On behalf of MSHRM, thank you to our sponsors for your continued support. Your partnership plays a critical role in helping us achieve our goals. If you know of an organization or individual who may be interested in becoming a sponsor, we encourage you to start the conversation or share their contact information with Judy Klein or Clarence Rucker, our Co-Chairs. They would be happy to schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss MSHRM and the benefits of sponsorship.
· Individual Donations: Members have the opportunity to make individual donations to MSHRM. Simply visit mshrm.org and scroll to the Donations section. Your support helps give back to the organization that provides so much value to our members.
Sincerely,
Clarence & Judy
Sponsorship Committee Chairs
Membership Committee Update
JOIN THE COMMITTEE!
The Membership Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 11:45 a.m. EST.
Our organization is currently home to 167 active members and 8 emeritus members, representing a wide range of experience, roles, and perspectives across the healthcare risk management profession.
Membership engagement is what makes our organization strong. Getting involved creates opportunities to build professional connections, learn from peers, and stay engaged with meaningful work that supports both personal growth and the organization’s mission.
The Membership Committee plays an important role in welcoming new members, supporting engagement, and helping our organization continue to grow in inclusive and creative ways. We invite members who are interested in connection‑building, outreach, and collaboration to consider joining the committee. This is a great opportunity to contribute in a meaningful but manageable way, while expanding your professional network and experience.
If you are interested in learning more about the Membership Committee or getting involved, we would love to hear from you. Your participation helps shape the future of our organization and ensures that all members feel welcomed and connected.
Communications Committee Update
Greetings from the MSHRM Communications Committee!
We are excited to share the latest updates, highlights, and opportunities to stay connected with your fellow members across the state. First, we want to express our immense gratitude to Rebecca Luna-Rubante and Phyllis Clark for their dedication and support over the years. What began as helping spread the word about our educational events grew into a fully dedicated committee, a social media presence with over 500 followers across three platforms, and two incredible co-chairs who have left big shoes to fill. Thank you for everything you’ve done!
Transitioning into the role of chair is Heather Schragg, current MSHRM past-president and former Sponsorship Committee co-chair. The committee recently met to brainstorm creative ways to continue elevating MSHRM’s social media presence, attract new members, and engage current members—ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our organization.
We currently meet on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m., but we are exploring additional options to best meet the needs of our members.
Ready to make your mark? Whether you’re full of fresh ideas, love connecting with others, or just want to help spread the word, the Communications Committee wants YOU! Join us, share your creativity, and help shape the future of MSHRM.
Warm regards,
Heather Schragg CIC, CPHRM
MSHRM Communications Committee Chair
Government Issues Committee Update
Doe #1 v Pispidikis, _____ Mich App _____; _____ NW3d ____ (2026) (Published 3/17/2026)
An Interstate-Commerce Nexus Must Exist To Nullify An Arbitration Agreement Mandating Arbitration Of Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment Claims Under the Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFAA).
DISCLAIMER – THE MICHIGAN SOCIETY OF HEALTHCARE RISK MANAGEMENT (MSHRM), ITS MEMBERS, AND THE AUTHOR DO NOT CONDONE, ENCOURAGE, OR ENDORSE ANY KINDS OF ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT. This article is for education purposes only.
By Michael E. Geraghty, Esq. – Government Issues Committee Chair
In 2022, Congress enacted the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFAA), PL 117-90, which included section 402(a). Section 402(a) provides:
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, at the election of the person alleging conduct constituting a sexual harassment dispute or sexual assault dispute . . . no predispute arbitration agreement . . . shall be valid or enforceable with respect to a case which is filed under Federal, Tribal, or State law and relates to the sexual assault dispute or the sexual harassment dispute.1
Section 402(b) mandates an issue as to whether Chapter 4 applies with respect to a dispute shall be determined under Federal law.2 (emphasis added)
The plaintiff in the case before the Michigan Court of Appeals alleged her former chiropractor touched her inappropriately in the course of medical treatment. Plaintiff sued him alleging, among other claims, battery and sexual battery. The defendant, jointed by his employer, filed a motion for summary disposition to dismiss plaintiff’s case asserting she had signed an arbitration agreement when she began treatment, and that agreement provided:
[A]ny dispute . . . as to whether any medical services . . . were improperly, negligently or incompetently rendered, will be determined by submission to arbitration” including “any dispute that does not relate to medical malpractice.” (emphasis added)
Plaintiff argued the subject arbitration agreement was void under 9 USC 402(a), and defendant countered that § 402(a) only applies if the underlying transaction involves interstate commerce and maintained it did not. The court denied the motion because the defendant had not produced sufficient authority demonstrating the transaction needed to involve interstate commerce for 9 USC 402(a) to apply. The Court of Appeals reversed.
The Court of Appeals noted the general rule of the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is to make arbitration agreements valid and enforceable by providing:
A written provision in . . . a contract evidencing a transaction involving commerce to settle by arbitration a controversy thereafter arising out of such contract or transaction, or the refusal to perform the whole or part thereof, or an agreement in writing to submit to arbitration an existing controversy arising out of such a contract, transaction, or refusal, shall be valid, irrevocable, and enforceable save upon such grounds as exist at law or in equity for the revocation of any contract or as otherwise provided in chapter 4. [9 USC 2]
9 USC 1 defines “commerce” as:
Commerce among the several States or with foreign nations, or in any Territory or the United States or in the District of Columbia, or between any such Territory and another, or between any such Territory and any State or foreign nation, or between the District of Columbia and any State or Territory or foreign nation . . . .
The Court of Appeals held the EFAA is an exception to the general rule of 9 USC 2 and applies no more broadly than 9 USC 2 itself – that is, to transactions involving “commerce” as defined in 9 USC 1. (emphasis added) So, absent an interstate-commerce nexus, it is unclear what enumerated power would authorize federal regulation of arbitration agreements governing purely intrastate sexual assault or harassment claims, and plaintiff identified no alternative constitutional basis. (emphasis added)
The Court of appeals vacated the trial court order denying defendant’s motion for summary disposition,but remanded the case to the trial court so a determination could be made whether the contract containing the arbitration agreement that plaintiff signed involved a “transaction involving commerce” under 9 USC 2 before the EFAA may apply.
MSHRM Call for Volunteers
MSHRM encourages each member to consider volunteering for a committee this year. Not only are our committees a great way to get connected and form friendships with colleagues in our organization, but they are also a way to both share your experience and gain new perspectives. Giving back to this organization is also rewarding and fun!
There are five committees that serve MSHRM and report to the Board of Directors:
1) Education Committee plans topics and speakers for our educational conferences each year
2) Membership Committee manages membership renewals, new members, and all things members
3) Government Issues Committee keeps abreast of things that are happening in the law and at the level of the state that can and do affect healthcare, and do the important work of keeping us all informed
4) Communications Committee manages the social media pages for MSHRM as well as website content
5) Sponsorship Committee works to connect with both past and new sponsors each year, collecting funds that help our organization
More Information on each committee is located here: https://mshrm.org/Committees
Getting involved is easy and low-pressure; it’s as simple as signing up! The time commitment is small with most committees meeting just once per month. Please reach out to Sarah at [email protected] to sign up. You will benefit as much as MSHRM.
If you are currently a committee volunteer, we send a heartfelt thank you from the Board. Your contributions are appreciated!