Proposed bill would improve transparency, protect Pennsylvania seniors
The legislation, House Bill 372, was advanced out of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee with bipartisan support. It would require that the Department of Aging list any local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) that is not compliant with regulations and corresponding corrective action plans on its website.
Pennsylvania to join 17 states that have 'state pledge' if bill passes
According to Representative Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), the Department of Aging had kept non-compliant AAAs from public view, releasing information once a year in a report that is rarely, if ever, seen by the public. Adding that he wants more transparency from the department.
'As representatives, there are many areas where we can make a positive difference. From my perspective, there's nothing more important than keeping our citizens safe and free from abuse and financial exploitation. My legislation will promote transparency and demonstrate areas where more work is needed,' Schmitt said.
In a release, he added that as many as one-third of the 52 Pennsylvania AAAs have been out of compliance with state regulations.
The legislation is now in the full House for consideration.
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