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Bill would add oversight for state-run veteran homes

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
/
Michigan.gov

Legislative action continues after a state audit earlier this year found multiple issues at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

A bill adding oversight to state-operated veteran homes passed the House this summer and is up for a Senate committee vote this week. 

Representative Holly Hughes of Montague is the bill's lead House sponsor, and vice chair of the chamber's veterans affairs committee.

She says it would require quarterly reports from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency or Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on staffing, client care and prescription medication controls, among other items.

"So that no matter who’s in the legislature – with term limits – that this is always in front of them, and never get the surprise report that we did," she says. "And make sure that they can be proactive, and be on top of it."

The bill is one of multiple legislative reforms that followed a problematic state audit of the Grand Rapids facility in February.

The audit cited a failure to properly handle complaints, provide appropriate medication and maintain mandatory staffing levels.

Falsified care records were also identified.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
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