Colorado Ombudsmen May 12, 2001 |
Alabama Ombudsman 7/16/01 |
Arkansas Volunteers |
Arkansas Volunteer Recognition II |
Virginia Fraser Story |
Assisted Living "Time" Aug. 13, 2001 |
CBC Sues in Federal Court, 9/7/01 |
ELM takes over Oct. 1, 2001 |
Falsehoods |
Family Council Training |
MN State Employees Strike 10/1/01 |
National Family Caregiver Month |
Ombudsman Skills |
Georgia Nursing Homes 12/19/01 |
Beverly Enterprises Investigation 12/01 |
Co Ruling Jan. 30, 02 |
Fraser Receives Award |
Ilminen Article Feb. 2002 |
Pauline Sproul Honored |
Unreported Abuse NYT Mar 3, 2002 |
FL Under the Looking Glass |
Excellence Award |
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference |
Senate Appropriations Aug. 16, 02 |
Office on Disability |
Arbitration |
Homocides |
Preventable Deaths in Nursing Homes |
Outstanding Achievement Award |
PA Ombudsman in the News Nov, 2002 |
PNA Increase in WA |
Award in Georgia |
Esther Houser Inducted Mar 27, 2003 |
Faith Fish Retires May 7, 2003 |
Ombudsman Articles |
Ombudsman Loss |
NALLTCO Supports Elder Justice Act |
CA News |
Center Funding Continues |
WI White Paper July 7, 2003 |
TN Ombudsmen Celebrate |
DC LTCOP September 2003 |
DC Nursing Homes Nov2003 |
Residents' Rights Recognized in WA |
Elma Holder Award 2003 |
Founder Award Presentation |
Help April 6, 2004 |
NORC Director |
Montgomery County Celebrates 28 Years |
ELM takes over Oct. 1, 2001 ELM takes over Oct. 1, 2001
Ruling puts nursing home advocacy in new hands
September 29, 2001
BY WENDY WENDLAND-BOWYER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
State nursing home residents will have a new nonprofit agency advocating on
their behalf Monday for the first time in 30 years following a U.S. District
Court judge's decision Friday not to block the switch.
Citizens for Better Care Inc., which had been the state's long-term care
ombudsman and watchdog, had sued, asking District Judge George Caram Steeh to
issue a temporary restraining order blocking the switch.
CBC lost its $433,000-a-year contract with the Michigan Office of Services to
the Aging this summer because its new bid didn't include a plan to give the
state the Social Security numbers of complaining nursing home residents.
The contract went to the only other bidder, Elder Law of Michigan Inc., which
originally indicated nursing home residents would have to provide their Social
Security numbers before a complaint investigation would begin.
That requirement was dropped in August when the state Administrative Board
gave final approval to a contract providing Social Security numbers were
requested -- not required.
In the lawsuit against Elder Law and the state office, CBC sought a
preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order and immediate hearing.
CBC argued, among other things, that releasing Social Security numbers was
illegal and would stifle complaints because residents would fear retaliation.
The state says it needs the numbers to better track and improve senior services.
On Friday, Steeh also expressed concern about the Social Security numbers
issue. He said that he was greatly bothered by Elder Law's original policy that
would have required Social Security numbers.
But overall, Steeh expressed concern about whether CBC had legal standing to
file its suit, and ultimately he declined the request for a temporary
restraining order.
Elder Law attorney Mary White argued that postponing Monday's switch would
have caused Elder Law great harm and caused confusion among seniors since Elder
Law has advertised the switch, hired staff, and set up a new office and phone
lines.
Kate White, executive director of Elder Law, said she was excited to be begin
providing service.
A new hearing and motion for a preliminary injunction are expected to be
scheduled next month.
Contact WENDY WENDLAND-BOWYER at 313-223-4792 or wendland@freepress.com.
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