What is the Elder Justice Act?
In September 2002, U.S. Senators John Breaux (D-LA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Elder Justice Act. The Elder Justice Act would establish “Offices of Elder Justice” at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Justice Department. The new offices would assist in program funding and policy making. A public-private coordinating council and an office of adult productive services would be in place at the federal level. The bill would also require criminal background checks for nursing-home aides and require nursing homes and long-term care facilities to report wrongdoing immediately. It also would provide increased funds for research and tax incentives for well-qualified caregivers. As of February 2003, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. For full details, see Senate Bill 2933:The Elder Justice Act.
