Bill > S06479

This bill enacts the "Elderly Abuse Protective Act" to safeguard residents 62 years of age or older from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment. The legislation establishes comprehensive reporting requirements for various professionals and individuals who suspect elder abuse, including mandatory reporting for licensed medical personnel, social workers, attorneys, and others with fiduciary responsibilities. The bill creates a statewide central register of elderly abuse reports and empowers the Office of Children and Family Services to investigate and respond to potential cases of elder abuse. Key provisions include requiring prompt evaluations of reported cases, allowing entry into premises with a court order, providing protective services with the elderly person's consent, and establishing procedures for situations where an elderly person may lack capacity to consent. The bill also outlines detailed definitions of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, creates a framework for reporting and investigating suspected abuse, and ensures confidentiality of reports while allowing limited access to relevant parties. Additionally, the legislation provides immunity for reporters, establishes review processes for protective services, and includes potential legal actions against caretakers who abuse or neglect elderly individuals. The act is accompanied by an appropriation of $600,000 to support its implementation and will take effect 120 days after becoming law.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6479