The House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee on Wednesday approved a plan introduced by state Rep. Kathy Crawford to help child care organizations better serve Michigan families.

Crawford’s plan would bring the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and organizations working with DHHS into compliance with federal requirements for access to children’s medical records.

“This plan would allow case workers to better understand concerns related to the children they oversee,” said Crawford, of Novi. “Case workers must be prepared to help the people they care for. They must have the resources and information they need to do their jobs – and protect children – to the best of their ability.”

Crawford’s plan makes it clear that caseworkers would have access to relevant medical records.

House Bill 4549 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

####