Tools

Senate Committee Moves Elder Abuse Bill Forward

by KREX News Room
by Taylor Kanost

Story Created: Feb 20, 2013 at 7:43 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 20, 2013 at 7:43 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The Colorado State Senate Judiciary committee passed a bill today that would make it mandatory to report the abuse of elders.

If the bill passes through the entire state Senate, certain individuals would be required to report to law enforcement whenever they suspect abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of any elder 70 or older.

Colorado is only one of three states that does not enforce the mandatory reporting of elder mistreatment.

"With Colorado's aging population steadily increasing, we must work to ensure that our citizens have the protections that elders in 47 other states have," said Senator Hudak.

Eugene Geurink, manager of The Atrium retirement center, says it's time for Colorado to pass this bill.

"We need to get on board with the rest of the country and do the right thing for our seniors," said Geurink.

Mandatory reporters under this bill include the following: health care providers, judicial and law enforcement, probate professionals, behavioral health professionals, social workers, clergy, firefighters, personnel of financial institutions, staff of community-centered boards, and staff and volunteers at health care facilities.

A leading study says that for every reported case of elder abuse, there are about five cases that are not reported.

The state population of elders age 70 and up is expected to grow by 27% by 2017 and 142% by 2032.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Disgusted said on Wednesday, Feb 20 at 11:31 PM

Obummercare deathpanels = Elder abuse.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather