Nursing home patients and staff have borne a heavy burden during the pandemic with one-third of COVID deaths in Michigan occurring in nursing home patients. Despite pleas from lawmakers to look into nursing home deaths in Michigan and what could have prevented them, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel passed on the request for a formal inquiry, alluding to the request being politically motivated.
Nessel explained her decision saying, “Though I will not hesitate to act when justified, I also will not abuse the investigatory powers of this Department to launch a political attack on any state official, regardless of party or beliefs.”
The transfer of recovering COVID patients to nursing homes while emergency recovery facilities remained empty has been a mystery, according to Republicans in the legislature, and they want an explanation. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has said that proper protocol was followed and maintains that any scrutiny is politically motivated.
In a letter to Nessel, lawmakers asked about Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s processes and policies for nursing homes, the accuracy of reporting data, compliance with CDC guidelines, and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Nessel said none warranted an investigation.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
