LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Aging Michigan residents discharged from the hospital are able to designate a post-hospital caregiver under legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

The Republican governor signed the bill into law Wednesday and says it will help “support the needs of Michigan’s growing senior population.”

GOP Sen. Margaret O’Brien sponsored the measure, which also requires hospitals to ensure that caregivers understand treatment instructions.

The bill was approved 70-38 in the House and 27-9 in the Senate last month. Many Democrats opposed it because plaintiffs’ attorneys and others worry it could inadvertently strip family members’ ability to be paid for their services under Michigan’s auto insurance law.

The bill’s supporters say those concerns are unfounded.