HARRISBURG – The PA House passed a bill that would fix communication loopholes that are placing senior citizens at risk of elder abuse in long-term care facilities across the state. Currently, any allegations of abuse must be investigated by the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) within 72 hours of an allegation being made. Allegations of abuse made to the AAA or Department of Aging are required to be communicated to the Department of Health to ensure the alleged abuser is compliant with all regulatory requirements. House Bill 2425 would extend those requirements and require any report of abuse concerning residents of a long-term care facility that are made to either the Department of Health or Department of Human Services be shared with the PA Department of Aging and the local AAA for investigation. The legislation simply closes the communications gap that is present between agencies tasked with protecting older adults. The bill now moves to the PA Senate.
