VanderWall bill opens pathways for more adult foster care workers

State Rep. Curt VanderWall, of Ludington, speaks this week before the House Law and Justice Committee in support of his legislation to expand employment opportunities at adult foster or senior care facilities.

VanderWall bill opens pathways for more adult foster care workers

LANSING — State Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), this week testified before the Michigan House of Representatives’ Law and Justice Committee on his bill to give adult foster care facilities better access to qualified health care professionals.

“There is a constant demand in our senior care facilities for nurses, physical therapists, administrators, and other support staff, even though there are many qualified individuals ready and available to work,” VanderWall said. “This will update state regulations for these professionals and let employers decide who the best fit is for their own residents.”

VanderWall’s legislation allows employment for licensed individuals who have been convicted of certain minor felonies or misdemeanors unrelated to senior or foster care, helping with rehabilitation that current law holds back. Partner legislation sponsored by state Reps. Klint Kesto and Jeff Noble, will expand similar regulations to health and mental health facilities, respectively. However, those individuals convicted of serious crimes will remain excluded for employment opportunities at the facilities.

“We’ve got to stop making those kind of judgments, especially with so many qualified professionals ready to improve the quality of life for a facility’s residents,” VanderWall said. “This gets people back on track and back to work instead of punishing people and ultimately hurting staff levels.”

House Bills 5450, 5451 and 5452 remain under consideration of the committee.

VanderWall represents the 101st House District, which includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties.