Senator Juan Vargas' Senate Bill 718 was signed into law on Friday, September 30, 2011. The new law, effective January 1, 2012, will authorize counties across the State of California to offer a confidential internet system for reporting instances of elder abuse.
"This bill provides an important tool to ensuring the safety of our seniors," said Nick Macchione, Director of the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. "By providing our mandated reporters, such as law enforcement and financial institutions, the ability to submit prompt and complete reports online, SB 718 will enable our staff to quickly address situations that put our most vulnerable residents in danger."
Currently, mandated reporters, such as licensed health practitioners, must report instances of elder abuse in a timely manner. Due to the high volume of callers and a recent decrease in personnel due to budget cuts, there can be a lengthy wait before a call is answered on the county's main elder abuse reporting phone line which handles calls from mandated reporters and the general public. In November 2010, it was determined that 27 percent of callers hung up rather than waiting on the line to report abuses, leaving seniors and dependent adults at further risk of abuse.
The secure internet system would require that mandated reporters provide the same information as required in writing or over the phone. This service would be made available at no additional cost to the State of California.
"Today, we scored a victory in protecting seniors from elder abuse! Establishing a confidential internet reporting system is a common-sense step to protect seniors and dependent adults," stated Senator Juan Vargas (D-San Diego). "This effective reporting system will ensure that our seniors' voices are heard and abuses are not overlooked."
Although elderly residents are awarded certain nursing home rights, some facilities, either unknowingly or intentionally, may violate these basic rights. If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home or otherwise deprived of their nursing home resident rights, such as bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, infection, under staffing, physical abuse, you should immediately contact us toll free at 1.866.999.9085 or on-line at www.thepecklawgroup.com for a free thorough case review and evaluation. This case review is being offered at no cost and shall help determine whether you should take legal action on behalf of your elder / dependent adult loved one. We Will Help You!!
