February 17, 2006

Governor’s call prompted legislative action on background checks
  
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation requiring criminal background checks for workers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  The Governor applauded the Legislature for taking quick, bipartisan action on the legislation which she first called for last year.
 
“I’m pleased to sign legislation that will help protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens in the long-term care facilities they call home,” Granholm said.  “By requiring background checks on new employees, we can ensure that people who shouldn’t have access to our parents and grandparents don’t.”
  
In September 2005, Granholm stood with health care providers and a bipartisan group of legislators to call for improved safety standards in long-term care facilities by requiring background checks for all new employees. 
 
“This legislation makes Michigan a leader at the national level by requiring federal checks of all new employees who have direct access to elderly and disabled patients,” said Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).
  
Last fall, MDCH received $5 million in federal monies to implement the proposed background-check system.  In order to participate in the grant, Michigan needed tough, new laws that required background checks on individuals who provide direct-care services to individuals in a long-term care facility.  The background check must be conducted prior to an individual’s employment or conditional employment. 
 
Michigan will incorporate most types of providers into its background-check pilot project, including skilled nursing facilities/nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals/hospitals with swing beds, intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation (ICF/MR), home health agencies, residential care and assisted living facilities, and hospices.
 
The Governor applauded the original bill sponsors – Representative Paula Zelenko (D-Burton), Representative Gary Newell (R-Saranac), and Representative Michael Murphy (D-Lansing) for standing with her on this issue.  The package signed into law by the Governor includes House Bill 5168, sponsored by Zelenko; House Bill 5448, sponsored by Representative Barb VanderVeen (R-Allendale); Senate Bill 621, sponsored by Senator Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck Township); and Senate Bill 622, sponsored by Senator Tony Stamas (R-Midland).

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