Bill > S481

This bill establishes the Office of Older Adult Advocate, an independent state office dedicated to protecting and supporting residents aged 60 and older. The office will be led by an older adult advocate appointed through a collaborative process involving the attorney general, state auditor, and governor, who will select a candidate from a diverse nominating committee including representatives from various elder care and advocacy organizations. The advocate will serve a five-year term and can be removed for cause, with a focus on ensuring dignified treatment, timely services, and comprehensive support for older adults receiving care from state agencies. Key responsibilities include investigating incidents involving older adults, coordinating with local aging services, helping seniors access state and federal benefits, serving as a liaison between state and federal agencies, and providing an annual public report to state leadership about the delivery of services to older adults. The bill specifically clarifies that for veterans receiving age-related services, the Office of Older Adult Advocate will be the primary response agency, while the Veterans' Advocate will handle services specifically determined by veteran status. The office will operate independently from executive agencies, with a mandate to examine care systems, advise government leadership, and develop procedures to improve services for older adults and their families.