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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole
Reigelman |
State Rep. Harold James |
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Legislation aimed at ending exploitation of adults passes House
Bill clarifies agencies allowed to investigate individuals acting under power of attorney
HARRISBURG, June 6 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Harold James, D-Phila., which would further protect older Pennsylvanians from exploitation, passed the House of Representatives this week by a vote of 198-0.
The legislation (H.B. 161) would expand the definition of exploitation to include conduct or action against an elderly person or elderly person’s resources by someone acting as the power of attorney.
“Often, seniors enlist a power of attorney in case of emergencies or to protect their interests,” James said. “However some people with poor intentions look at the seniors they're supposed to protect as easy targets to victimize.”
Currently, the definition of exploitation only covers “caretakers or other persons." As such, the law neither specifically prohibits nor allows investigation of a person acting under the power of attorney. James’ bill would add people acting under the power of attorney to the law to avoid abuse of the position.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging estimates that 18.3 percent of all reports of elder abuse or neglect relate to financial exploitation, and 12.3 percent of all substantiated reports of elder abuse fall into the category of financial exploitation.
“This legislation is an important step in protecting our state’s older residents from being financially exploited,” James said.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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