Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023

Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023

This bill reauthorizes, provides funding through FY2027 for, and otherwise makes changes to programs that address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities.

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 and adults with disabilities, including through medical-legal partnerships and legal services hotlines; and (2) prevent and address social isolation among older adults and adults 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 and adults with disabilities.

Bill 118 s 1198, also known as the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by 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 issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 includes several key provisions. One important aspect of the bill is the establishment of a National Adult Protective Services Data System, which would collect and analyze data on elder abuse cases across the country. This data would help policymakers and researchers better understand the scope and nature of elder abuse, and develop more effective strategies for preventing and addressing it.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve coordination and communication among federal, state, and local agencies responsible for protecting older adults. This would help ensure that cases of elder abuse are identified and addressed in a timely and effective manner. The bill also includes measures to enhance training for professionals who work with older adults, such as healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement officers. By increasing awareness and knowledge of elder abuse issues, these professionals will be better equipped to identify and respond to cases of abuse. Overall, the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 aims to strengthen protections for older adults and improve the response to cases of elder abuse. By reauthorizing and updating the Elder Justice Act, this bill seeks to ensure that older Americans are able to live safely and with dignity in their later years.