Bill > A00796

This bill enacts the "Elderly Abuse Protective Act" to protect residents 62 years of age or older who suffer abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. It requires reports to the Commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) of possible instances of elder abuse, and specifies actions the Commissioner must take upon receiving such reports, including evaluation, right of entry, and provision of protective services. The bill grants OCFS authority to provide these protective services, including accessing relevant records and authorizing the transfer of an elderly person to an appropriate facility. It also establishes a statewide central register of elder abuse reports and provides for confidentiality and expungement procedures. The bill appropriates $600,000 to OCFS to carry out these new responsibilities.