![]() Michigan Supreme Court Rules Governor Cannot Continue State of Emergency Without Legislative Approval - Long-Term Care Facilities Should Continue to Follow Orders Today the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Governor Whitmer does not have the authority to declare the state of emergency without legislative approval. The ruling applies to both the 1945 Emergency Powers of Governor Act and the 1976 Emergency Management Act, and the state of emergency could not be extended by the Governor after the legislature declined to extend on April 30. You can find the order by clicking HERE.
Governor Whitmer has stated that the emergency order remains in effect for the next 21 days, and her corresponding emergency orders, including department orders, also remain in effect. You can find the governor's statement by clicking HERE.
Nursing facilities, homes for the aged, adult foster care, independent living and unlicensed assisted living settings should continue operating as if the emergency orders are still in effect. HCAM/MCAL will provide updates as the situation progresses.
MDHHS Releases Updated FAQs on Outdoor Visitation On Friday October 2, 2020 the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) released an updated FAQ document related to Director Gordon's September 10th Epidemic Order providing guidance on outdoor visitation. The Emergency Orders regarding visitation apply to Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Home, Adult Foster Care, and Home for the Aged facilities. The FAQ document addresses several areas including:
Governor Whitmer Moves Upper Peninsula to Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan Following an uptick in COVID cases, Governor Gretchen Whitmer moved the Upper Peninsula (UP) back to Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan on Friday afternoon. The directive was issued as Executive Order 2020-192 and will go into effect on October 9, 2020. The Executive Order changes that will impact the UP include:
Long term care providers in the UP should continue weekly staff COVID testing and confer with local health departments regarding continued use of outdoor visitation.
For questions or concerns please contact Cathy Sunlin at CathySunlin@HCAM.org.
October 2, 2020 |