April 19, 2023
1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse
Washington DC- Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., House Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal, D-Mass., Senate Select Committee on Aging Bob Casey, D-Pa., House Co-Chair Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., Member of the Judiciary of Elders, today introduced legislation to protect the elderly and people with disabilities from abuse, isolation and neglect.of Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 Reauthorize the Elderly Justice Act to provide new funding for programs proven to protect older adults and adults with disabilities. The law builds on the December 2020 approval of mandatory funding for Adult Protective Services (APS) for the first time. elder justice law With the reauthorization, the legislation introduced will create three new programs: addressing medical law needs, addressing social isolation, and strengthening the long-term care workforce.
“It is unconscionable to say that 1 in 10 older Americans has experienced some form of elder abuse.” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Wyden said: “This law will provide an important dedicated resource to fund programs that protect older people and people with disabilities from abuse, isolation and neglect, while strengthening the long-term care workforce. I will do everything in my power to get this bill into law and provide the medical legal remedies that older adults need.”
“Too many elderly and disabled suffer abuse ranging from physical, mental and financial exploitation.” Ranking member Neil said. “As our population ages, a stronger Elder Justice program will help meet the needs of these vulnerable people so they can live safely as they age. We’re calling for cuts in safety and health, but we’re fighting for this life-changing update to better protect the health of older people. It’s time to act.”
“Older Americans fought our wars, taught our children, built our nation. They deserve our protection and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.” Senate Aging Committee Chairman Casey said: “The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act helps older and disabled adults affected by social isolation, abuse, neglect, or economic exploitation while investing in critical long-term care services. This law fulfills the Elder Justice Act’s promise to protect and care for generations before us. ”
“Older Americans should be able to age with dignity.” Co-Chair of the House Elders Judiciary Caucus Congressman Suzanne Bonamici said. “This update continues to address the economic and physical abuse and social isolation that are unfortunately all too common among older Americans. Help recruit and retain large numbers of long-term care workers and support advocates for the elderly and those with disabilities. We are committed to doing everything we can to get this much-needed update to the finish line.”
The act directly appropriates $4.5 billion. New and existing EJA programs and activities through fiscal 2027 include:
- $1.6 billion to recruit and retain post-acute and long-term care workers.
- $1.9 billion for adult protection services functions and grant programs.
- $232.5 million for long-term care ombudsman program grants and training.
- $500 million to support links to legal services and health-legal partnerships.and
- $250 million to address social isolation and loneliness.
of Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 Supported by key national stakeholdersincluding: Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, California Board of Welfare, Elder Judicial Coalition (EJC), Massachusetts Disability Protection Commission, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA), National County Association ( NACo), National Association of County Welfare Administrators (NACHSA), Pennsylvania Association of Aging Community Agencies, Philadelphia Aging Association, SAGE.
A summary of the bill can be found here.
A section-by-section summary of the bill can be found here.
The legislative text of the bill can be found here.
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