FROM THE FOUNDATION

Redefining the Safety Net

Should California establish a Basic Health Program for certain low-income residents? CHCF's Marian Mulkey captures a recent policy conversation in a Health Affairs blog.

Accountable Care in Action

A new post on the Health Affairs blog details how CalPERS kept costs down in Sacramento through a "virtual" ACO with insurers and providers.

Career Opportunity: Senior Program Officer

This position will play a major role in furthering the goals and objectives of the foundation's Better Chronic Disease Care program.

Patient Safety

Monday, March 14, 2011

Lawmakers Introduce Bills To Crack Down on Elder Abuse

California lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at improving elder abuse reporting and making it easier to obtain convictions. Assembly member Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) introduced a bill (AB 40) that would require mandated reporters -- such as nursing employees and social, health and law enforcement employees -- to inform both an ombudsman and local law enforcement of suspected elder abuse. Currently, mandated reporters only are required to report cases to one of the two agencies. Meanwhile, Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) introduced a bill (SB 558) that would lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases from "clear and convincing evidence" to a "preponderance of evidence."

Reader Comments:
  • 1
  • 03/14/2011
  • rich davis

CA doesn't enforce the laws already on the books. Example my 'mother-in-law' was removed from her private residence by her terminated tax preparer & closed Trust accountant AFTER they kicked in the front door, while the deadbolt was engaged. They then called the deceased husband's unemployed grand-daughter. The trio immediately moved $1.0 Million from long-term accounts to brand new accounts changing the beneficiary and/or owner to themselves. After 2-week they placed the victim in an licensed assisted living facility w/instructions that she have no visitors, phone calls or mail. They had her sleeping in a chair in street cloths. Local law enforcement maintains that "nothing out of the ordinary occurred and no laws were broken because the landlord was paid $250 for the 'accidental' damage to the door frame. Meanwhile daughter hasn't been able to see mom in nearly 1-year because law enforcement threatens her with arrest for trespassing. Title 22 is not being honored.



Readers are invited to send feedback to: chl@chcf.org