Lansing, MI - On Monday, December 11, 2023, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge David M. Cohen granted a preliminary injunction against Erica Edwards and her unlicensed adult foster care facility ETE Homes Inc., doing business as Talison Assisted Living, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The Attorney General requested the injunction in October following an investigation by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and upon receiving notice Edwards would not voluntarily cease operating the unlicensed facility.
LARA investigated the facility following a complaint received by the agency in March of this year. They found Edwards to be operating the facility in a residential home with live-in staff, housing at least eight foster care residents, at least one of which required physical assistance and some requiring around-the-clock care, that staff administered medication, and that the facility accepted payment from its residents, all without the proper licensure. Judge Cohen held this week the facility was in violation of the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act and enjoined Edwards, and her companies, agents, or employees, from providing unlicensed care.
“The State requires licensure for certain residential care services to ensure Michigan patients or consumers are receiving adequate and professional care,” said Nessel. “Unknowingly placing a loved one in the care of an unlicensed and untrained profiteer is a scary possibility for families seeking out these services for the first time. I’d advise all Michigan consumers seeking adult foster care to research the facilities they consider, and to check with State agencies to ensure they are properly licensed to meet your needs. Offering these services or care without the proper licensing violates Michigan law and puts vulnerable adults at risk.”
Under the injunction, Edwards must cooperate with Adult Protective Services workers and related agencies to discharge and relocate residents in need of adult foster care. In addition, Edwards must grant LARA staff, Adult Protective Services, Community Mental Health, law enforcement, and medical personnel access to the premises and residents. LARA and Adult Protective Services will ensure all residents are relocated to an appropriate facility or setting.
In the coming months, the court will determine whether a permanent injunction should be issued in the matter.