LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Monday evening that they are rolling out a comprehensive strategy to combat the impact of COVID-19 in long-term care settings and ensure residents and employees are protected. This includes an Emergency Orderissued by MDHHS Director Robert Gordon regarding transfers and reporting requirements.
The strategy includes mandating enhanced reporting requirements for all long-term care settings, activating a COVID-19 Infection Prevention Resource and Assessment Team (COVID iPRAT), and establishing MDHHS-designated COVID-19 regional hubs
Beginning on April 21, MDHHS will mandate all long-term-care facilities (nursing homes, homes for the aged, adult foster care facilities and assisted living facilities) submit daily reports to MDHHS.
Using the EMResource platform, facilities will be required to submit up-to-date information regarding current capacity/bed availability, personal protective equipment inventory and the current number of COVID-19 cases and deaths within their facility.
“We know older Michiganders and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for more severe complications from COVID-19,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Enhanced and timely reporting of cases in long term care facilities, as well as proactive training and technical assistance will help protect these vulnerable individuals.”
