Legislative action continues after a state audit found multiple issues at a Grand Rapids veterans’ home. The bill adds legislative oversight to veteran homes operated by the state. It passed the House this summer and is up for a Senate committee vote this week.
House sponsor Holly Hughes of Montague says the bill would require quarterly reports to lawmakers 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. And make sure that they can be proactive, and be on top of it," she says.
The bill is one of multiple legislative reforms that followed a problematic state audit of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans earlier this year. The audit cited a failure to properly handle complaints, provide appropriate medication and maintain mandatory staffing levels.