Use your voice to stop a new proposal that will force AFC homes to close

A recent Bill is under consideration that will force AFC Homes to close. The intent is honorable and noble, to change the AFC Licensing Act because of the death of Theresa Sella Skrabis. Reports indicate Theresa suffered preventable negligence, abuse, and indignity in an Adult Foster Care (AFC) facility in the State of Michigan. The unfortunate unintended consequences of the HB4841 mandates would make it impossible for an assisted living facility licensed as an AFC to stay open and to continue to make a difference in vulnerable adults’ lives. Make your voice heard to prevent this Bill from going any further so vulnerable adults are not left homeless and helpless.

Spearheaded by Rep. Stephanie Young, this bill aims to introduce several changes to the Adult Foster Care licensing act, potentially burdening AFC owners with additional mandates, expenses, and regulations. The intent behind the bill is commendable. It seeks to address preventable negligence and abuse and medication errors in AFC facilities. Unfortunately, the proposed changes will force AFCs to close, increasing the challenge of housing and care options for those requiring supported living environments. 

Concerns of the Bill

Mandates of significant concern in HB4841 include:

1. More administration and documentation, diverting time away from direct client care or requiring the need to hire an administrator.
2. Each AFC home hires LPNs to work 5 days a week, 24 hours per day.
3. Each AFC hires a part-time case manager.
4. LARA to add a Dietician, RN, and social worker to accompany them for licensing audits.
5. Costly fines for non-compliance.
6. More rules and more regulations.

AFC owners providing senior care or foster care for adults with disabilities are already under considerable pressure to achieve more with limited resources. Increased costs without a corresponding increase in funding and the constant demand to meet HCBS (Home and Community-Based Setting) rulings and documentation requirements have placed substantial strain on their ability to provide quality care.

Implementing additional mandates will only increase these struggles to the point of closure jeopardizing the welfare of vulnerable adults. Not only is the lack of funding to support these changes a problem, the staffing shortages faced by the care industry create even greater reasons for concern. 

Preserving the Ability to Make a Difference

While the intentions behind HB4841 to reduce abuse, neglect and medication errors are important to address, it is essential to ensure that AFC owners can continue making a positive impact on the lives of residents and stay in business.  By raising our voices against these potentially harmful changes, and discussing other solutions to address the objectives of the Bill, we can safeguard the future of an adult foster home provider and the well-being of those they serve.

Next Steps

In order to voice the concerns of and adult foster care community and to prevent the passing of HB4841, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Educate yourself about the details of the Bill HB4841.

2. Contact the individuals responsible for the bill:

   • Rep. Stephanie Young at stephanieyoung@house.mi.gov, P.O. Box 30014
     Lansing, MI, or (517) 373-2576. 48909-7514
   • Speaker Joe Tate at joetate@house.mi.gov,  P.O. Box 30014
     Lansing, MI or (517) 373-0857. 48909-7514
   • Your local Representative: Find them at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.

3. Share the following information with them:

   • Your personal story and reasons for starting an adult foster care home, emphasizing the impact you make on the adults and seniors you serve.
   • Explain how the proposed changes will affect your ability to operate and whether they might force you to close down.
   • Mention the number of individuals in your AFC home who will be affected by these changes.

4. Send a letter to express your concerns.

Conclusion

As the demand for care providers and care planners continues to grow, the threat of new regulations and requirements leading to AFC home closures puts vulnerable adults at risk of losing their placement options. AFC owners and operators play a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of those they serve. It is essential to rally together and use our voices to stop HB4841, while also supporting other efforts to protect the future of AFCs and the vital services they provide. Abuse, Neglect, and medication errors should not be tolerated. Different solutions are necessary to make a positive difference without eliminating the sources of housing for those that cannot live independently. Make your voice heard to stop HB4841.