Michigan's Nursing Home Crisis Exposed After 15,000 Violations Found
Michigan nursing homes have faced severe scrutiny after a three-year investigation uncovered widespread abuse and neglect. Reporter Robin Erb documented over 15,000 violations, leading to fines of $21.5 million and stricter oversight measures across the state.
Robin Erb, a Bridge Michigan journalist, spent years analysing public inspection reports and cross-referencing data to expose poor conditions in long-term care facilities. Her work revealed at least 5,915 cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation among 15,471 total citations. Many residents reported unanswered call lights and inadequate staffing, leaving them without basic care.
Erb faced obstacles while gathering information. Nursing home leaders often refused interviews, and state officials were difficult to reach. She relied on Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests but found reports lacked identifying details, forcing her to track down families for confirmation. Despite these challenges, her findings prompted state leaders to promise reforms and draft stricter legislation.
The impact of Erb's reporting extended beyond Michigan. By February 2026, twelve other U.S. states—including California, New York, and Texas—had introduced tougher oversight laws. These changes followed nationwide scandals, including Michigan's 2023 revelations of neglect in Detroit-area facilities. Erb advised other journalists to stay organised when tackling similar investigations, noting the complexity of tracking violations across multiple sources.
Michigan's nursing homes now face heavier penalties, with $21.5 million in fines and denied Medicaid payments totaling 6,451 days. The state's response reflects a broader trend, as more regions adopt stricter rules to protect vulnerable residents. Erb's work has pushed officials to act, though long-term improvements will depend on sustained enforcement.
