LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan will have a special ombudsman to investigate complaints filed by or on behalf of residents at the state's two veterans’ homes in Grand Rapids and Marquette.
Legislation signed into law last week by Governor Rick Snyder creates the Office of the Michigan Veterans Facility Ombudsman within a legislative body. It will investigate complaints filed by veterans, their family members or legal guardians, or a legislator.
The ombudsman also will be able to independently initiate an investigation, and must file regular reports with the Legislature.
Currently, nursing directors at the two homes are the point of contact for filing complaints.
In February, Snyder replaced the director of Michigan's veterans agency after an audit uncovered insufficient care and inadequate staffing levels at the 415-resident facility in Grand Rapids.