|
Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear Announces Further Protections for Senior Citizens
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear today announced a legislative package aimed to better protect adults and seniors from abuse and exploitation. Gov. Beshear and legislative leaders spoke about the “Safeguarding our Seniors” initiative today at the capitol.
“Last year, my administration took essential steps in improving protection for seniors facing neglect and abuse”, said Gov. Beshear. “This legislation further strengthens safety standards and will make a significant difference in the lives of Kentucky’s elderly citizens and the people who care for them.”
In September 2010, Gov. Beshear directed the immediate implementation of recommendations from a Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) report investigating nursing home neglect and abuse. Recommendations included improving the state’s investigative response, enhancing agency coordination, and promoting safety, quality and transparency.
Kentucky CHFS Secretary Janie Miller said her staff and agency partners appreciate the continued, extra protection for seniors.
“We feel strongly that the penalties in place for elder abuse are a deterrent,” she said. “This legislation helps bolster the work of adult protective services staff and the advocates who stand up for vulnerable adults.”
Miller said the legislation enhances CHFS’ efforts, which include better documentation of allegations of abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities and recently restarting the state’s Elder Abuse Committee.
The series of legislation would:
- Prevent people who abuse or neglect vulnerable or elderly adults from benefiting from their deaths (HB52);
- Keep a person convicted of felony abuse or exploitation of an adult from serving as that victim's guardian, executor or power of attorney (HB 54);
- Make it easier and more efficient for adults and seniors needing a guardian when more than one state is involved. (HB 164);
- Require annual criminal background checks of staff at personal care agencies, a step beyond the pre-hiring check. (SB23);
- Require criminal background checks for all employees of nursing homes and assisted living homes, including custodians and food service workers (SB44); and
- Create an adult abuse registry (HB101 and SB 38).
Gov. Beshear said he is committed to include funding for an adult abuse registry in his 2012 budget proposal.
“A statewide registry is the best way to identify perpetrators when adult or elder abuse has been substantiated but doesn’t reach a criminal level,” Gov. Beshear said. “We have a similar list to keep our children safe at day care centers and schools. With this list for adults, nursing homes and other facilities can easily weed out applicants who fall on this list for harming our elderly.”
“Careless acts of mistreatment, neglect and abuse against elder Kentuckians occur across our state every day”, said Sen. Denton. “Through the creation of a statewide adult abuse registry, we can identify persons who commit these acts and prevent future harm to our most vulnerable citizens. Thanks to Governor Beshear and my colleagues in both the House and Senate for supporting this important legislation.”
“Our first priority as elected officials is to keep the public safe, especially those who are the most vulnerable”, said House Speaker Greg Stumbo. “I have dedicated my career as a legislator and as an Attorney General to this cause, and while I believe we have come a long way in protecting our senior citizens, this package of bills will take us to the next level. I’m proud to support them.”
“We have to take care of our most vulnerable Kentuckians”, said Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo. “They are our mothers, fathers, grandparents, loved ones. They deserve our protection. That’s why I filed my legislation, and that’s why I’m proud to stand with Governor Beshear and my colleagues in doing all we can to turn these bills into law.”
“As lawmakers, it is both our civic and moral duty to ensure the safety, health and financial well-being of our adult and elderly citizens” said Rep. Joni Jenkins. “Today, I’m proud to join Governor Beshear and my fellow legislators in taking a stand against elder and vulnerable adult abuse, neglect and exploitation.”
###
|