State Appoints New Directors to the Office of Long Term Care Supports and Services and the Bureau of Health Systems, the Two Offices that Regulate and Oversee Long Term Care

      After months of delay, Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Janet Olszewski has named Michael J. Head as the Director of the new Office of Long Term Care Supports and Services. This office is responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Governor’s Medicaid Long Term Care Task Force and overseeing long term care reform in the state. Mike has more than 30 years experience in the mental health and human services fields and has particular expertise in Medicaid. Since 2003, he has been in charge of several federal grants which support critical programs to reform Michigan’s long term care system. Alison Hirschel, the Campaign’s statewide coordinator, served as a member of the interview committee for this important position. She and other advocates have already met with and corresponded with Mike and will continue to do so frequently to discuss long term care. The Campaign wishes Mike well in his new and important position!

      In addition, MDCH has named Michael Dankert as Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Health Systems. Mike previously served as the acting Bureau Chief and the head of complaint investigations and enforcement in the Bureau of Health Systems. The Campaign has long appreciated Mike’s vast knowledge of nursing home enforcement law and policy as well as his responsiveness to our requests for information and his candor. We looks forward to corresponding and meeting with him regularly in his new position.