Livingston Today

State Rep. Hank Vaupel (R-Fowlerville) has been appointed to serve on Michigan’s Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force.

The task force was formed July 7 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-135. Its purpose is to inform the state’s reaction to what is feared may be a second wave of the pandemic, WNEM reported.

“As a senior myself, I am eager to get to work and find effective solutions to protect our vulnerable nursing home residents who need us advocating on their behalf,” Vaupel said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “The impact this virus has had on our elderly population, especially those living in nursing homes, has been horrific. I am proud to give them a voice during this uncertain time.”

Rep. Hank Vaupel | Michigan House Republicans

The members of the task force include those from both Republican and Democratic backgrounds who have interest and experience in this topic. 

Vaupel, who is the chair of the House Health Policy Committee, is joined by a number of other community leaders who will be serving on the task force. The members include: Trece Andrews, Renee L. Beniak, Dr. Betty Chu, Ann M. Hepfer, David E. Herbel, Alison E. Hirschel, Steven M. Kastner, Dr. Preeti N. Malani, Hari "Roger" Mali, Mia K. Moore, Melissa K. Samuel, Kari L. Sederburg and Melissa Seifert, according to WNEM.

The goal of the task force is to come up with recommendations for how nursing homes can prepare for a second wave of the coronavirus. The task force has until Aug. 31 to present its ideas. The group will consider information and data from a broad range of relevant sources, to ensure that its recommendations are thorough. The task force is also responsible for providing technical aid to nursing homes as they implement any changes that are recommended.

Unless the governor states otherwise, the task force will be formally dissolved within two years of the executive order.