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Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
CALL TO ACTION!!!
Hello,
Many of you know there is no licensing or regulations to speak of over private duty Homecare in the State of Michigan. Most of the ethical agencies would like to see regulation to protect our elderly.
There are currently bills in Lansing to enable our elderly to be left unprotected by allowing "caregivers" to list themselves as if they're credible but with no protections in place.
Not all private caregivers are good, or bad, but there are many people that are advertising as caregivers who are ex-cons, have been terminated from agencies, or can't get hired by agencies because of their backgrounds. Some are just preying on the elderly.
Just recently a woman who hired a "caregiver" from Craigslist, was murdered by that so called caregiver, who turns out to have had a long history of psychiatric problems and criminal charges.
WE MUST speak up to Lansing to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens! We just can't allow a bill that would be like a virtual State of Michigan's craiglist where no standards or safety measures are put in place! There are already too many reports of senior abuse, neglect, scams, and even death at the hands of unsafe providers.
Please take the time to contact your representatives. You can find them below.
Together we can push for safer care for our elderly.
Thank you and if you agree, please pass this on!
Angil Tarach-Ritchey RN, GCM
Visiting Angels
2860 Carpenter Rd. Ste 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 929-9201www.visitingangels.com/annarbor
Greetings Colleagues,
On July 1, 2010, the House passed HB6195, the bill now goes to the Senate where it will be referred to committee. SEIU has hired two large PR firms to convince senators and their constituents that this is a good bill.The bill would create the Michigan Quality Community Care Council (MQCC)Act allowing, by law, MQCC to maintain a registry of caregivers for the Home Help program. The caregivers on this registry will become SEIU members. It is unclear who will be their employer and who, if anyone will pay the employment related taxes and insurance for these caregivers HB 6195 doesn't ensure quality care, doesn't provide adequate protections, and it does not create a level playing field!The National Private Duty Association (NPDA) has worked hard for many years to bring high quality standards to the home care industry. HB 6195 doesn't ensure quality of care of Michigan's most fragile seniors and disabled citizens. The following are minimum standards for NPDA members that are not required by HB 6195. A bureaucrat testified at committee that they do some of these things, whether that's true or not, all of the following should be required in the bill. In-home assessments. NPDA industry standards require that an in-home assessment be done before a caregiver is referred to determine the care needs and ensure that the caregiver's training and abilities match the needs of the client. In addition, regular in-home follow-up should be done, to ensure the quality of care and make any necessary changes in the care plan. HB 6195 should require in-home visits.Criminal background checks. NPDA requires that all individuals hired as caregivers pass a comprehensive criminal background check. HB 6195 should require background checks.Training requirements. NPDA requires that all caregivers receive a minimum of 16 hours of training before they are allowed to provide care. Topics of mandatory training should include areas like: Red Cross first aid and CPR, Basic Care Giving, Senior Safety, Senior Activity, Alzheimer's Training, Personal Care Training, and Transferring including Hoyer lifts. HB 6195 should require minimum training standards for caregivers.Payment of all taxes and insurance. Many seniors are shocked to learn that their caregiver is considered an employee by the IRS and other governmental agencies and as such are responsible for employer share of taxes. NPDA standards require that all employer related taxes, including FICA and Unemployment Insurance, as well as workers compensation are paid in full. HB 6195 should require that the Quality Care Council is responsible for and pays all employers share taxes and provides workers comp insurance, or that they notify the client that they are responsible for paying these taxes and providing appropriate insurance coverage.The current Senate version, substitute SB 731, strips out funding for the Michigan Quality Community Care Council, restricts the advisory council to the Home Help program and prohibits unionization of home help workers. However, it still does not go far enough to meet the above suggested standards and there is no guarantee that it will not require the unionization of workers.We are urging everyone to please contact your Senators and tell them you do not support SB 731 or HB 6195. Urge them not to support these bill either. These bills don't ensure quality care and don't provide adequate protections! They are not good for our seniors and puts them at risk. Here is a link to the State of Michigan web site Senator look up. Below is an interesting article from the July 2, MIRS (Michigan Information & Research Service - News and Information About Michigan Government) web site. This article discusses the politics behind the bill. Please take the time to read it.Regards, NPDA Michigan Chapter Board
(MIRS) Jul. 1, 2010 www.mirsnews.comHouse Passes MQC3 Bill
House Democrats passed legislation (HB 6195) to codify into law the Michigan Quality Community Care Council (MQC3) today and entity created as a clearinghouse of sorts for workers who assist low-income elderly and disabled in ways that allow them to stay at their own house. Fairly or unfairly most lobbyists and political observers have been referring to the bill as the MQC3 of the SEIU (State Employee International Union) bill. That's because after the MQC3 public entity was created as a joint venture between the Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM administration and the Tri-County Aging Consortium in 2004, workers within the group petitioned the SEIU to become a part of the union. A mail-in vote was taken of the home care providers under the MQC3 registry and results were in favor of unionizing those employees who signed up to be part of the entity. The MQC3 currently exists as a pilot project within the Department of Community Health (DCH). It is highly contentious because it was the conduit for what opponents believe is "forced unionization" Proponents of HB 6195 call that a myth, but Republicans and Tea Party activists have used it as an election year rallying cry (See "'Forced Unionization' Issue Births Another Bill," 5/20/10). Two Republicans joined the Democrats in voting for the bill today. They were Rep. Tory ROCCA (R-Sterling Heights) and Rep. John WALSH (R-Livonia). The final vote tally was 66-41. The legislation faces an unsure future in the Senate. However, bill sponsor Rep. Bert JOHNSON (D-Highland Park) has predicted the Senate will pass it. In addition, a rumor that began circulating earlier this week was that all House Speaker Andy DILLON(D-Redford Twp.) had to do was get the bill passed in the House to earn the SEIU endorsement in the gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, speaking on condition of anonymity, a GOP House member told MIRS he didn't mind the bill being brought up because it would be just one more issue the Republicans could use in the election. Rep. John PROOS (R-St. Joseph) spoke out against the legislation. "I believe doing this bill at this time is unnecessary," Proos said. "When you consider what has happened with interlocal governmental agreements and forced unionization. Before we codify this we should make sure they are scrutinized." Proos went on to say that before the legislature codifies the MQC-3 it should pass his own measure (HR 0270), which would urge the Attorney General to take the steps necessary to increase the scrutiny of interlocal governmental agreements, and require that any interlocal agreement with the state of Michigan have biannual audits conducted by the Auditor General and reauthorization by the Governor. Johnson said using the rhetoric "forced unionization" issue is a "red herring." "The red herring in this room is the forced unionization issue," Johnson said. "If this was about something else it could be true. But not this bill. Those who oppose this need to take into account the people who have testified in favor of this legislation." This morning, supporters of HB 6195 held a press conference, which featured several persons, including patients, involved in the home care arena. The statements were all about the need for home health care and the financial advantages to the taxpayer of being taken care of at home over institutions such as nursing homes. Without the so-called "forced unionization" issue, the legislation is about making sure those who work in Michigan's home healthcare industry are qualified and undergo background checks. A news release circulated at the press conference sought to "fact check" what it referred to as factual errors issued by a group called National Private Duty Association. But the issue of "forced unionization," which was likely to be the major obstacle facing the HB 6195, was not mentioned. The only two lawmakers present at the press conference were Johnson and Rocca. "This is not an issue that should be politicized," Johnson said, in reference to those who were opposing HB 6195. MIRS asked Johnson about the "forced unionization" issue, which opponents of HB 6195 claim is the real reason for the union's push to get HB 6195 enacted. "Representative John Walsh, who is a lawyer, has looked the bill over up and down and says there's nothing that indicates any kind of forced unionization," Johnson responded. MIRS asked if attempts to amend the bill with wording to prevent forced unionization would be adopted or quick gaveled down in the House. "That's a leadership question," Johnson said. "Attempts to amend bills are always in play on the floor." MIRS asked if the timing of the legislation's movementat this timewas connected with efforts to get endorsements of the SEIU. "I'm glad you asked that," Johnson said. "This isn't just an SEIU question. This isn't a union issue." Johnson went on to say that the bill was supported by AARP and several other groups that aren't unions. He said that, in an election year there are a lot people politicizing almost everything. Supporters also argue claim that using the rhetoric "forced unionization" is unfair because it insinuates the SEIU election broke state law, which by all appearances, it did not. While it could be argued that the Granholm administration back-doored a bunch of employees into a union, it's never been argued the process was illegal. Also, it's pointed out that any person within the MQC3 can opt out of the union at any time, but they still must pay and administrative fee. A Walsh amendment was adopted on the House floor. It inserted language that stated the "information in the registry is confidential, is not subject to disclosure under the freedom of information act and shall be disclosed only to providers and consumers for purposes of this act." Two amendments offered by Rep. Jim STAMAS (R-Midland) were defeated by quick gavel. One would have required that the wages and benefits for providers that opted out of unionization under the MQC-3 shall be 1.9 percent greater than the wages of a provider who has not opted out. The other would have set a sunset of Dec. 31, 2012.
NPDA Michigan Chapter Executive Board Members:
Russ Knopp - Comfort Keepers, President - (231)-929-9044
Wynn Esterline - Home Instead Senior Care, Vice President- (517)-266-7788
Phil Simpson - Continuum Home Care Services LLC, Treasurer - (866)677-2440
David Smith - Home Instead Senior Care, Secretary - (269)553-7773Tina Rowley - Home Home Instead Senior Care, Membership Chair (248)203-2273Joyce Lovse - AngelCare Home Health Care Inc., Education Chair- ( 616)284-3399
Marcia Williams - Visiting Angels, Communications - (248)350-8700Greg Adair - Affordable Home Care- (877)424-3578Jeffrey Welsh - Right At Home Care - (248)816-3200Augustine Arbulu - Metro Home Health - (800)462-5632
Many of you know there is no licensing or regulations to speak of over private duty Homecare in the State of Michigan. Most of the ethical agencies would like to see regulation to protect our elderly.
There are currently bills in Lansing to enable our elderly to be left unprotected by allowing "caregivers" to list themselves as if they're credible but with no protections in place.
Not all private caregivers are good, or bad, but there are many people that are advertising as caregivers who are ex-cons, have been terminated from agencies, or can't get hired by agencies because of their backgrounds. Some are just preying on the elderly.
Just recently a woman who hired a "caregiver" from Craigslist, was murdered by that so called caregiver, who turns out to have had a long history of psychiatric problems and criminal charges.
WE MUST speak up to Lansing to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens! We just can't allow a bill that would be like a virtual State of Michigan's craiglist where no standards or safety measures are put in place! There are already too many reports of senior abuse, neglect, scams, and even death at the hands of unsafe providers.
Please take the time to contact your representatives. You can find them below.
Together we can push for safer care for our elderly.
Thank you and if you agree, please pass this on!
Angil Tarach-Ritchey RN, GCM
Visiting Angels
2860 Carpenter Rd. Ste 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 929-9201www.visitingangels.com/annarbor
Greetings Colleagues,
On July 1, 2010, the House passed HB6195, the bill now goes to the Senate where it will be referred to committee. SEIU has hired two large PR firms to convince senators and their constituents that this is a good bill.The bill would create the Michigan Quality Community Care Council (MQCC)Act allowing, by law, MQCC to maintain a registry of caregivers for the Home Help program. The caregivers on this registry will become SEIU members. It is unclear who will be their employer and who, if anyone will pay the employment related taxes and insurance for these caregivers HB 6195 doesn't ensure quality care, doesn't provide adequate protections, and it does not create a level playing field!The National Private Duty Association (NPDA) has worked hard for many years to bring high quality standards to the home care industry. HB 6195 doesn't ensure quality of care of Michigan's most fragile seniors and disabled citizens. The following are minimum standards for NPDA members that are not required by HB 6195. A bureaucrat testified at committee that they do some of these things, whether that's true or not, all of the following should be required in the bill. In-home assessments. NPDA industry standards require that an in-home assessment be done before a caregiver is referred to determine the care needs and ensure that the caregiver's training and abilities match the needs of the client. In addition, regular in-home follow-up should be done, to ensure the quality of care and make any necessary changes in the care plan. HB 6195 should require in-home visits.Criminal background checks. NPDA requires that all individuals hired as caregivers pass a comprehensive criminal background check. HB 6195 should require background checks.Training requirements. NPDA requires that all caregivers receive a minimum of 16 hours of training before they are allowed to provide care. Topics of mandatory training should include areas like: Red Cross first aid and CPR, Basic Care Giving, Senior Safety, Senior Activity, Alzheimer's Training, Personal Care Training, and Transferring including Hoyer lifts. HB 6195 should require minimum training standards for caregivers.Payment of all taxes and insurance. Many seniors are shocked to learn that their caregiver is considered an employee by the IRS and other governmental agencies and as such are responsible for employer share of taxes. NPDA standards require that all employer related taxes, including FICA and Unemployment Insurance, as well as workers compensation are paid in full. HB 6195 should require that the Quality Care Council is responsible for and pays all employers share taxes and provides workers comp insurance, or that they notify the client that they are responsible for paying these taxes and providing appropriate insurance coverage.The current Senate version, substitute SB 731, strips out funding for the Michigan Quality Community Care Council, restricts the advisory council to the Home Help program and prohibits unionization of home help workers. However, it still does not go far enough to meet the above suggested standards and there is no guarantee that it will not require the unionization of workers.We are urging everyone to please contact your Senators and tell them you do not support SB 731 or HB 6195. Urge them not to support these bill either. These bills don't ensure quality care and don't provide adequate protections! They are not good for our seniors and puts them at risk. Here is a link to the State of Michigan web site Senator look up. Below is an interesting article from the July 2, MIRS (Michigan Information & Research Service - News and Information About Michigan Government) web site. This article discusses the politics behind the bill. Please take the time to read it.Regards, NPDA Michigan Chapter Board
(MIRS) Jul. 1, 2010 www.mirsnews.comHouse Passes MQC3 Bill
House Democrats passed legislation (HB 6195) to codify into law the Michigan Quality Community Care Council (MQC3) today and entity created as a clearinghouse of sorts for workers who assist low-income elderly and disabled in ways that allow them to stay at their own house. Fairly or unfairly most lobbyists and political observers have been referring to the bill as the MQC3 of the SEIU (State Employee International Union) bill. That's because after the MQC3 public entity was created as a joint venture between the Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM administration and the Tri-County Aging Consortium in 2004, workers within the group petitioned the SEIU to become a part of the union. A mail-in vote was taken of the home care providers under the MQC3 registry and results were in favor of unionizing those employees who signed up to be part of the entity. The MQC3 currently exists as a pilot project within the Department of Community Health (DCH). It is highly contentious because it was the conduit for what opponents believe is "forced unionization" Proponents of HB 6195 call that a myth, but Republicans and Tea Party activists have used it as an election year rallying cry (See "'Forced Unionization' Issue Births Another Bill," 5/20/10). Two Republicans joined the Democrats in voting for the bill today. They were Rep. Tory ROCCA (R-Sterling Heights) and Rep. John WALSH (R-Livonia). The final vote tally was 66-41. The legislation faces an unsure future in the Senate. However, bill sponsor Rep. Bert JOHNSON (D-Highland Park) has predicted the Senate will pass it. In addition, a rumor that began circulating earlier this week was that all House Speaker Andy DILLON(D-Redford Twp.) had to do was get the bill passed in the House to earn the SEIU endorsement in the gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, speaking on condition of anonymity, a GOP House member told MIRS he didn't mind the bill being brought up because it would be just one more issue the Republicans could use in the election. Rep. John PROOS (R-St. Joseph) spoke out against the legislation. "I believe doing this bill at this time is unnecessary," Proos said. "When you consider what has happened with interlocal governmental agreements and forced unionization. Before we codify this we should make sure they are scrutinized." Proos went on to say that before the legislature codifies the MQC-3 it should pass his own measure (HR 0270), which would urge the Attorney General to take the steps necessary to increase the scrutiny of interlocal governmental agreements, and require that any interlocal agreement with the state of Michigan have biannual audits conducted by the Auditor General and reauthorization by the Governor. Johnson said using the rhetoric "forced unionization" issue is a "red herring." "The red herring in this room is the forced unionization issue," Johnson said. "If this was about something else it could be true. But not this bill. Those who oppose this need to take into account the people who have testified in favor of this legislation." This morning, supporters of HB 6195 held a press conference, which featured several persons, including patients, involved in the home care arena. The statements were all about the need for home health care and the financial advantages to the taxpayer of being taken care of at home over institutions such as nursing homes. Without the so-called "forced unionization" issue, the legislation is about making sure those who work in Michigan's home healthcare industry are qualified and undergo background checks. A news release circulated at the press conference sought to "fact check" what it referred to as factual errors issued by a group called National Private Duty Association. But the issue of "forced unionization," which was likely to be the major obstacle facing the HB 6195, was not mentioned. The only two lawmakers present at the press conference were Johnson and Rocca. "This is not an issue that should be politicized," Johnson said, in reference to those who were opposing HB 6195. MIRS asked Johnson about the "forced unionization" issue, which opponents of HB 6195 claim is the real reason for the union's push to get HB 6195 enacted. "Representative John Walsh, who is a lawyer, has looked the bill over up and down and says there's nothing that indicates any kind of forced unionization," Johnson responded. MIRS asked if attempts to amend the bill with wording to prevent forced unionization would be adopted or quick gaveled down in the House. "That's a leadership question," Johnson said. "Attempts to amend bills are always in play on the floor." MIRS asked if the timing of the legislation's movementat this timewas connected with efforts to get endorsements of the SEIU. "I'm glad you asked that," Johnson said. "This isn't just an SEIU question. This isn't a union issue." Johnson went on to say that the bill was supported by AARP and several other groups that aren't unions. He said that, in an election year there are a lot people politicizing almost everything. Supporters also argue claim that using the rhetoric "forced unionization" is unfair because it insinuates the SEIU election broke state law, which by all appearances, it did not. While it could be argued that the Granholm administration back-doored a bunch of employees into a union, it's never been argued the process was illegal. Also, it's pointed out that any person within the MQC3 can opt out of the union at any time, but they still must pay and administrative fee. A Walsh amendment was adopted on the House floor. It inserted language that stated the "information in the registry is confidential, is not subject to disclosure under the freedom of information act and shall be disclosed only to providers and consumers for purposes of this act." Two amendments offered by Rep. Jim STAMAS (R-Midland) were defeated by quick gavel. One would have required that the wages and benefits for providers that opted out of unionization under the MQC-3 shall be 1.9 percent greater than the wages of a provider who has not opted out. The other would have set a sunset of Dec. 31, 2012.
NPDA Michigan Chapter Executive Board Members:
Russ Knopp - Comfort Keepers, President - (231)-929-9044
Wynn Esterline - Home Instead Senior Care, Vice President- (517)-266-7788
Phil Simpson - Continuum Home Care Services LLC, Treasurer - (866)677-2440
David Smith - Home Instead Senior Care, Secretary - (269)553-7773Tina Rowley - Home Home Instead Senior Care, Membership Chair (248)203-2273Joyce Lovse - AngelCare Home Health Care Inc., Education Chair- ( 616)284-3399
Marcia Williams - Visiting Angels, Communications - (248)350-8700Greg Adair - Affordable Home Care- (877)424-3578Jeffrey Welsh - Right At Home Care - (248)816-3200Augustine Arbulu - Metro Home Health - (800)462-5632
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