The conditions of Michigan's veterans' homes will be evaluated and reported on more frequently under legislation signed Oct. 26 by Gov. Rick Snyder.
"Our state's veterans deserve the highest standards of care available, and this bill helps ensure that the conditions of veterans' homes are evaluated and reported on more consistently and effectively," Snyder said.
House Bill 5639, sponsored by state Rep. Holly Hughes, outlines specific reporting requirements for state agencies to implement when evaluating the conditions of veterans' homes, including:
- Staffing levels and the extent to which staffing levels do or do not meet industry standards.
- Number of patient complaints, average time to review a complaint and respond, and response to each complaint.
- Timeliness of distribution of pharmaceutical drugs.
- Security provided for pharmaceutical drugs in the facility, including the title of the individuals providing the security.
- How patient money is accounted for, including the name and title of the individual who supervises patient spending accounts.
- Number of facility resident deaths that occurred since the most recent report.
The bill requires the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, its successor agency, or the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to report in writing to the Governor, the Senate and House Committees on Veterans Affairs, and the Senate and House Appropriations subcommittees for the DMVA by January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year. The measure is now PA 314.
For additional information on this and other legislation, visit www.legislature.mi.gov.
Published: Mon, Nov 07, 2016
