Representatives in the Michigan House held a press conference on Wednesday to outline their efforts to fix the state’s nursing homes. They promised to introduce legislation that would improve transparency, accountability, and quality in nursing home care.

The move comes following the Carlyle Group’s buyout of ManorCare nursing homes, one of the state’s largest nursing home chains. Lawmakers held hearings around Michigan to give constituents the opportunity to express concerns about the buyout, which ranged from difficulties knowing who is actually responsible for care to concerns about whether the buyout firm will cut staffing to increase profits.

"When private investors come to Michigan shopping for nursing homes, it is our parents, grandparents, family friends and loved ones who may be adversely affected. We want to make sure that doesn't happened here," said Representative Robert Jones (D-Kalamazoo).

The legislation in the works would require nursing homes to show they have the proper funding, insurance, and quality record before the state grants operating licenses and increases disclosure requirements for proposed nursing home sales. Homes would have to notify residents of changes of ownership and make clear who is ultimately responsible for the quality of care.