Lansing, Mich., June 1, 2020 — A House Democratic Workgroup submitted several recommendations to improve conditions in Michigan’s nursing homes during COVID-19 to Gov. Whitmer last month. Since then, the group, state Reps. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham), Cynthia Neeley (D-Detroit), Kyra Bolden (D-Southfield), Lori Stone (D-Warren) and Joe Tate (D-Detroit), have been working with the governor to continuously improve procedures and protocols for nursing homes and their oversight. As a result of this partnership, the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) sent a letter to all nursing care facilities last week explaining the process through which residents of the facilities and their families can file complaints with LARA if the need arises.

“It has never been more important that we all work to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable among us,” said state Rep. Leslie Love (Detroit). “Those in nursing facilities and their families need to be able to rest assured, knowing everything is being done to provide them with the best quality of care possible. When that is not the case, the facilities need to be held accountable. This is an important tool in making sure that happens.”

Information from the letter is detailed below:

  • Complaints may be filed by email at: BCHS-Complaints@michigan.gov
  • Individuals may choose to call the toll-free Complaint Hotline (800-882-6006) and leave a message for the complaint intake team.
  • For more information about this process go to: www.michigan.gov/bchs
    • Click on File a Complaint
    • Click on Health Agencies and Facilities
    • This webpage outlines the three methods of filing a complaint (online form, toll-free hotline, and email, fax, or US mail) as well as an overview of how Lara handles complaints.

Another resource for residents and family members with loved ones in a nursing home is to reach out to the state or local Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who serves as an advocate. The Ombudsman will also work with your nursing home facility to make sure that resident rights are being respected.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Information:

Salli Pung, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Phone: 517-827-8025

Email: spung@meji.org

Website: https://mltcop.org/

Address: Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

Michigan Elder Justice Initiative

15851 South US 27, Suite 73, Lansing, MI 48906