Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021

Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021

This bill reauthorizes, provides funding through FY2025 for, and otherwise makes changes to programs for preventing, detecting, and treating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

Specifically, the bill provides funding for states and localities to enhance adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies an existing long-term care workforce grant program, including by requiring that grant recipients use funds to provide employees with wage subsidies, educational assistance, and access to affordable child care and transportation. Furthermore, the bill establishes new grant programs for states to (1) link health care and social services for older adults, including through medical-legal partnerships and legal services hotlines; and (2) prevent and address social isolation among older adults and individuals with disabilities.

The bill also provides funding for reporting by the Department of Health and Human Services on the effectiveness of various programs and activities in addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

Bill 117 HR 4969, also known as the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to reauthorize and update the Elder Justice Act, which was originally passed in 2010 to address and prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021 includes several key provisions. Firstly, it aims to improve coordination and data collection among federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders involved in elder abuse prevention and response. This includes enhancing training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social service professionals to better identify and address cases of elder abuse.

Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. It also includes provisions to enhance the National Adult Protective Services Data System, which collects data on elder abuse cases nationwide. Furthermore, the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2021 includes measures to increase funding for elder abuse prevention programs and services, as well as to improve access to legal assistance for older adults who have experienced abuse or exploitation. Overall, this bill aims to update and strengthen the existing framework for addressing elder abuse in the United States, with a focus on prevention, detection, and response. It is currently being considered by Congress and may undergo further revisions before potentially being signed into law.