Increased Transparency For PA’s Older Adult Protective Services

Here’s some good news for the Pennsylvania aging population: State legislators have introduced a bipartisan measure to increase transparency and accountability in the state’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

This bill comes after lawmakers noted a tenfold rise in elder deaths following abuse or neglect complaints over the past eight years. The deaths resulted in tense discussions between state congress members and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, with lawmakers insisting that the Department needs to do more to investigate the rising number of deaths. The Department countered that a death review process was not part of the Department’s scope of authority.

Elder abuse is a serious problem in Pennsylvania and across the country. If you or an older loved one has experienced abuse, the LLF Law Firm’s Family Law Team is ready to help. Our skilled attorneys know Pennsylvania’s elder abuse and neglect laws, and we can ensure that the abuse is stopped through a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. We’ll also work to make sure that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable.

Call the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to learn more about how our Family Law Team can assist you.

What You Need to Know About HB 372

HB 372 was put forth by the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee and sponsored by Representative Lou Schmitt. It requires the state’s Department of Aging to publicly report on how well each AAA complies with performance standards and publish lists of non-compliant agencies and their corrective action plans. The Department has already begun publishing these results on its website to ensure that residents can easily access this information.

The bill follows the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s March 18 launch of the Comprehensive Agency Performance Evaluation (CAPE), a new monitoring system designed to assess AAA’s performance, especially with respect to elder protective services. CAPE is an important initiative of the Shapiro Administration’s efforts to modernize oversight and make performance data publicly accessible. House Bill 372 would further provide for similar improvements.

Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich enthusiastically endorsed the bill and praised the bill’s alignment with CAPE: “The completion of CAPE – the first major overhaul and upgrade of the Department’s monitoring system in decades – is a huge achievement and monumental leap forward for this agency. We are transforming our ability to evaluate and improve services for older Pennsylvanians.”

We Can Help Protect Abused Elders

If you suspect or know that an elder is being abused, don’t hesitate to seek legal help from an experienced legal professional. The LLF Law Firm’s Family Law Team can help you advocate for an older person’s rights and keep them safe from further abuse. Among other things, we can help you file a restraining order with the appropriate Pennsylvania county. A PFA prevents alleged abusers from having any further contact or access to the elderly individuals they’ve mistreated.

Our skilled Family Law Team understands the state laws, regulations, and procedures relevant to elder abuse cases. We have helped numerous families and elders get the protection and support they need. We want to help you, too. Contact LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our online form.