Lawmakers introduce recommendations tackling issues at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, following multiple state hearings.
The 10-point plan calls for stronger complaint protocols, ongoing facility monitoring and review of multiple departments as well as the employment contracting process and overall state Veterans Home model.
It also recommends creating an independent ombudsman’s office and conducting multiple formal follow-ups at the home, along with an investigation by the state Attorney General.
The recommendations follow multiple legislative hearings on a problematic state audit of the facility released last month.
The audit listed a lack of controls for medication and comprehensive care services, a failure to handle complaints - including those of abuse and neglect - and issues with safety checks and staffing, among other findings.
The recommendations passed the House Oversight and Ethics Committee Thursday, and next move to other committees for review.