Tri-City Sun

According to an October 14 report from the Michigan House Republicans, legislators passed bipartisan bills last week that call for improvements to the current quality of life in Michigan nursing homes. 

Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso) said that the plan enforces safety recommendations from the Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force. The recommendations address multiple shortcomings in state mandates related to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

“The seniors in our nursing homes have been isolated for too long, and the health and wellness consequences are too great to continue keeping them from seeing their loved ones,” Frederick said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “That’s why this plan prompts the state to implement long-overdue, safe indoor visitation policies for Michigan nursing homes.”

Rep. Ben Frederick | Michigan House Republicans

The plan, which is comprised of Senate Bill 1094 and House Bill 6137, will require health data to be reported and calls for a larger COVID-19 testing capacity in nursing home facilities. The legislation will also prohibit COVID-19-positive residents from returning to the facility until they've recovered fully.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Frederick told Michigan House Republicans. “I have heard from local families throughout the pandemic who were increasingly desperate to have meaningful contact with their loved ones. We can continue to protect our most vulnerable residents by implementing solutions based on the recommendations of doctors and health experts.”

The legislation states that the bills should be implemented by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services no later than November 15. The plan is now in the governor's office for further consideration.