Whitmer Signs Bills Protecting Employers and Nursing Home Residents

Governor Whitmer signed several House and Senate bills into law last week. Several of them addressed concerns resulting from COVID-19 for employers and nursing home residents.

House Bills 6030-6032 protect Michigan businesses that comply with relevant COVID-19-related laws, including epidemic orders and rules. HB 6030 make clears that when a business complies with all relevant COVID-19 related statutes, orders, and rules issued by federal, state, and local authorities, they cannot be held liable for a person becoming sick at the business.

HB 6031 makes clear that when an employer complies with all relevant COVID-19 related statutes, orders, and rules issued by federal, state, and local authorities, they cannot be held liable under the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Act for a worker becoming sick at work.

House Bill 6030 was sponsored by Rep. Tom Albert (R-Lowell). House Bill 6031 was sponsored by Rep. Tommy Brann (R-Wyoming) and Rep. Wendell Byrd (D-Detroit). House Bill 6032 was sponsored by Rep. Graham Filler (R-DeWitt).

Senate Bill 1094 requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to evaluate the operation, efficacy, clinical outcomes, and performance of nursing homes throughout the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also creates a series of requirements surround the state’s COVID-19 nursing home policy.

DHHS, in consultation with LARA, will work to provide a statewide visitation policy, implement plans concerning COVID-19 laboratory testing, a process to approve care and recovery facilities among other key goals before November 15, 2020. The bill was sponsored by Senator Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Township).