Harrisburg – Legislation to better protect Pennsylvania’s senior population by overhauling the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA) was recently approved by the state Senate, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
“Senate Bill 819 will improve the delivery of resources and efficiency of services provided to older adults,” Senator Yaw said.
The bill would amend the OAPSA to streamline communications between organizations and agencies that care for seniors, and find ways to increase health care efficiency. It would also confront the rise of financial exploitation of older Pennsylvanians by giving financial institutions tools to intervene if they suspect an elder is being taken advantage of through the illegal taking, misuse or concealment of money, property or assets.
To combat elder abuse, the measure would provide mandatory reporters (physicians, health care providers and police) with a procedure for reporting suspected abuse, and give them the tools to work together on the investigations that follow.
Senate Bill 819 would also fix a constitutionality issue raised by the state Supreme Court in 2015 and provide for employment practices that are safe for care organizations and older adults.
The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff
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