Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 2, 2022 11:56 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Doug Mastriano |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Combatting Elder Abuse |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to establish a statewide registry of persons found to be substantiated perpetrators of abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation of older persons in facilities. As Pennsylvania’s population continues to age, we must ensure our older adults can age with the dignity and security they deserve. Elder abuse takes many forms, such as financial, emotional, physical, and sexual harm. Abuse also comes in the form of neglect, abandonment, or exploitation. It’s estimated that approximately 1 in 10 elderly Americans are abused annually in the United States. Unfortunately, current statute here in PA falls short in preventing substantiated abusers from serving as caregivers. My legislation will require the Department of Aging to establish a Statewide registry of persons to include their name, facility where the abuse occurred, and a description of the abuse. Additionally, facilities will be required to require prospective employees to submit a certification from the Department confirming that the applicant is not named in the registry. Please join me as a co-sponsor on this legislation to improve our commonwealth’s prevention and response to elder abuse. If you have any questions regarding this bill, please contact Joshua Herman in my office at jherman@pasen.gov |