Dustin Walsh

Detroit

Senior Health Care Reporter at Crain's Detroit Business

Blue-eyed son of a mechanic. Defender of rural America. Senior reporter for @crainsdetroit covering health care and marijuana, sometimes economics and labor.

Articles

Weed processor sold illicit product while under investigation, state says

1 week ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

Michigan regulators continue to play the cat-and-mouse game of trying to stop the state’s legal industry from purchasing and selling illicit marijuana. In its latest disciplinary filing the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency has accused Harrison Township marijuana processor Pure Roots, doing business as Forte Cannabis, of not only purchasing THC concentrate from an illegal source, but also using and selling the concentrate in its products during the agency’s investigation.
3 DMC hospitals receive failing safety grades as Tenet reports $406M profit

2 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

The Detroit Medical Center’s Detroit Receiving Hospital, Sinai-Grace Hospital and Harper University Hospital are among the worst hospitals in the nation for patient safety, according to a semi-annual report card by The Leapfrog Group.
Weed ads on TV are mostly illegal. This Michigan company is banking on a work-around.

2 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

Detroit-area viewers of the NFL Draft may have caught a 30-second advertising spot for … broccoli? Troy-based Jars Cannabis navigated federal marketing rules to air the commercial on local ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV during the draft, a bold move by the company as it tests the waters of advertising a federally illegal product. The Federal Communications Commission bans broadcast advertising of cannabis products — mostly.
Nessel sues two of nation's largest prescription drug middlemen for price fixing

2 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

The state of Michigan is suing two of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers, alleging anticompetitive practices. In a lawsuit against St. Louis-based Express Scripts and Eagan, Minn,-based Prime Therapeutics in U.S. District Court in Michigan, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel alleges the PBMs fixed prices for medications and structured low reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies, leading to mass pharmacy closures across the state.
Nurses sound alarm over Michigan hospitals' push for out-of-state staffing solutions

2 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

Once again, Michigan’s heath care labor force and administrators are at odds. Legislation was introduced last month for the state to join the Nurse Licensure Compact — a mutual reciprocity agreement between states to give nurses in one state the authorization to work in any other state in the compact without having to achieve licensure in that state. As of April, 41 states participate in the compact.
Detroit nursing home operator enters bankruptcy protection

2 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

Mission Point of Detroit, a for profit short-term rehabilitation and nursing home, entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this month. The center owes its primary lender Huntington Bank nearly $6.9 million, according to the filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit. It also owes the state of Michigan more than $180,000 in back taxes; $250,000 to its payroll lender; and nearly $128,000 to Troy-based pharmacy OneCare LTC.
Companies to invest $15.3M in Michigan, including 500 jobs in Highand Park

3 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

Two businesses are investing a combined $15.3 million into the state, creating up to 543 jobs, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday. Canadian auto supplier Magna International is expanding its Michigan operations. Magna subsidiary Norplas Industries plans to lease an additional 450,000 square feet in Highland Park, creating up to 500 new jobs and an investment of up to $6.8 million, according to a news release from Whitmer’s office.
Michigan weed shops are targeting Buckeyes — and undercutting Ohio's pricier market

3 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh |Jeremy Nobile

An arsenal has amassed on the Michigan side of the Ohio border. Instead of weapons, it’s dispensing cannabis flower, vapes and pre-rolled joints. More than 45 dispensaries sit on the northern side of the border, luring Ohioans from near and far on the promise of cheap weed. Ohio’s juvenile legal marijuana industry is no doubt being cannibalized by Michigan’s battalion stock fueled by a glut of product and basement-low prices.
BAMF Health secures tax incentives for $94M Detroit project

3 weeks ago | crainsgrandrapids.com | Dustin Walsh

Grand Rapids-based BAMF Health has secured tax incentives to further its plans to create 90 jobs and invest $93.8 million in a new center in downtown Detroit. As part of the project, BAMF will serve as the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s planned Gratiot Life Science Innovation Building on Gratiot Avenue at I-375, occupying the 45,000-square-foot first floor of the building. Keep up with all things West Michigan business. Sign up for our free newsletters today.
BAMF Health secures tax incentives for $94M Detroit project

3 weeks ago | crainsdetroit.com | Dustin Walsh

Grand Rapids-based BAMF Health has secured tax incentives to further its plans to create 90 jobs and invest $93.8 million in a new center in downtown Detroit. As part of the project, BAMF will serve as the anchor tenant at Bedrock’s planned Gratiot Life Science Innovation Building on Gratiot Avenue at I-375, occupying the 45,000-square-foot first floor of the building.