West Central Michigan News

Michigan Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-Lake Ann) recently denounced the state’s chain of command in regards to ongoing COVID-19 nursing home policy, according to a release from Michigan House Republicans.

O’Malley and other legislators of the COVID-19 Joint Select Committee sought answers from Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon in regards to Michigan’s long-term care strategy during COVID-19. O’Malley was troubled by the cavalier attitude exhibited by Gordon during testimony, seeing it as an indication of the governor’s administration refusing to take responsibility for decisions that have caused immense grief for seniors and their families.

The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force, which was assembled by the Whitmer administration, has made 13 recommendations to develop a more effective approach regarding quality of life for long-term care during the pandemic -- recommendations that have largely been ignored. The panel developed plans for resident placement, resource availability and quality of life for long-term care residents, as those residents make up over 30% of total COVID-19 deaths statewide.

“The administration should have addressed these issues earlier to help lessen the psychological toll isolation would take on seniors and their families,” O’Malley said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “I am pleased Gov. (Gretchen) Whitmer is moving on some of these recommendations now, but she must listen to the experts she tasked with developing a smarter approach.”