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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Frank Andrews
Shimkus |
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Shimkus' Peggy's Law moving forward in the House
Legislation would protect seniors in long-term care facilities from neglect
HARRISBURG, May 5 – The House Appropriations Committee today sent to the full House for consideration legislation written by state Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus, D-Lackawanna, that would help to protect senior citizens from becoming victims of neglect when in long-term care facilities.
House Bill 2114 would require attending and primary physicians to disclose any financial or ownership interest in a long-term care facility to prospective and current residents and their legal representatives.
Shimkus crafted the legislation after hearing the tragic plight of 69-year-old Peggy Rogers, an Alzheimer's patient authorities said died of undiagnosed breast cancer while under the care of her primary physician who also owned the personal care home where she was a resident.
"Authorities have told us that Peggy's cancer advanced to the point where she had an open sore on her breast. It spread to her lungs, her liver and her bones," Shimkus said. "In addition, she was neglected while at the personal care home. Her hair was dirty and matted, and she was left to lie in her own filth. No one should end up like this."
The bill also would establish a uniform statewide reporting and investigative system for suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of the elderly.
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