LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michael Webber on Thursday sent a letter to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel seeking clarification on how the department is complying with a recent audit that identified serious shortcomings.
“For months, my office met with patients and their families, and the stories were heartbreaking,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “I called for an audit, which confirmed the horrific stories and revealed a glaring lack of diligence within the Office of Recipient Rights.”
Following the audit, the department agreed that reforms were needed to better protect patients and was directed to complete a corrective action plan addressing the widespread failures.
On Jan. 9, the department released its final plan. While it outlined intended and implemented changes, Webber said it lacked evidence that improvements had occurred.
“This long-delayed plan is incomplete,” Webber said. “I cannot just trust the compliance plan, as the department has demonstrated a willingness to ignore current law and its own guidelines for protecting patient rights. The department responded to serious findings with essentially ‘we’ll do better,’ but offered no evidence of real action.
“Paperwork alone does not equal results. Changes of this magnitude require leadership from Director Hertel to ensure her agency is protecting patients in the state’s care.”
Webber said the new plan included protocols that should have already been in place.
“We saw a breakdown in one of the department’s core responsibilities,” Webber said. “We need more than new guidelines — we need evidence they are being followed.”
In the letter, Webber requested details on how the department will implement and verify compliance with the new procedures to protect patients. The letter was sent to Director Hertel and shared with legislative leaders responsible for health policy and oversight.
“This must be a collaborative effort,” Webber said. “It’s important we do this right by working across the aisle and with our House colleagues. The state is failing these patients. We need everyone at the table to better protect kids and adults in the state’s care.”
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