Attorney General Investigates Grand Rapids Veterans Home
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Michigan's attorney general says his office is investigating allegations of mistreatment at a state-run nursing home for veterans and is encouraging potential victims or witnesses to come forward.
Bill Schuette on Wednesday confirmed that his office's Health Care Fraud Division started the investigation in February after an audit uncovered problems at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
The audit said workers falsely claimed they were checking on patients, failed to properly investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, and took too long to fill prescriptions. Auditors also said the 415-resident facility provided insufficient care and had inadequate staffing levels.
Veterans Affairs Agency Director James Redford took over after the audit and promised improvements. He tells WOOD-TV things are moving in the "right direction" but staffing levels still need to be boosted.
Schuette is encouraging people who have resided in the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans during the last several years, or who may have otherwise been witness to patient mistreatment, to come forward with information. Mistreatment could be physical or financial in nature.
"The men and women who have served our country deserve the very best of care. They protected our country, and now we have the duty and responsibility to protect them," Schuette said in a statement. "If you, or someone you know, were a resident of the Home, or spent time visiting and witnessed potentially criminal misconduct, I encourage you to contact my office immediately."
Anyone with information should contact the state's Healthcare Fraud Division at 1-800-24-ABUSE.
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is one of two State of Michigan run homes for veterans. The other facility is located in Marquette.
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