- Nursing homes are not given complainants' or residents' names when an investigation starts.nursing duties image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
Regarded as a leader in consumer protection, Michigan's approach to regulating nursing homes exemplifies its complex, multi-step regulatory approach. Fingerprinting and criminal background checks are required for new hires, while current employees must voluntarily disclose arraignments or convictions to stay on the job. In keeping with its approach, the Michigan Department of Community Health offers multiple options for citizens wishing to report allegations of abuse, fraud or non-compliance with state and federal regulations. - Michigan law makes licensing mandatory. Nursing homes that provide 24-hour organized care and medical treatment to seven or more people in a residential setting must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Community Health as of 2010. Certification for Medicare and Medicaid payments is voluntary. However, nursing home operators must enroll in both programs, and satisfy state and federal regulations to earn their certifications.
- Opening a new home starts with filing a certificate of need. All architectural plans must be reviewed, and no building can start without a construction permit, according to the department. Proprietors must work with the Division of Nursing Home Monitoring throughout the process. Once construction is complete, an inspection is required. If the facility meets all requirements, an occupancy permit can than be issued.
- Criminal background checks are required under Michigan's Mental Health and Public Health Code. For staff hired after April 1, 2006, these laws require background and fingerprint checks. This applies to anyone with access to patients, including independent contractors. Employees hired after April 1, 2006, are exempt, but must self report arraignments or convictions, along with new hires, to the department. Exempt workers must also submit fingerprints as a condition of continued employment.
- Investigating allegations of abuse or noncompliance with state and federal regulations falls to the Michigan's Bureau of Health Systems, which reviews complaints about ambulatory and freestanding surgical units, hospices, home health agencies, and nursing homes. Complaints against hospitals or other non-long-term care facilities are handled by the Division of Licensing and Certification. Complaints and incident reports are entered into an automated tracking system, and the file is assigned for investigation.
- Residents upset about senior care have multiple reporting options.flanieren image by Ilan Amith from Fotolia.com
Complaints may be filed online, calling the Bureau of Health Systems' special toll-free hotline, or filling out and sending a completed form with the relevant details. Once the investigation is completed, the findings are sent to the complainant, who may request a review. Copies also go out to the nursing home. If the findings are substantiated, the facility operators are informed of any applicable penalties and corrective steps.
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