Unveiling the Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act

Senate Karin Housley, chair of the Senate Aging and Long Term Care Committee, unveiled a series of measures Thursday, March 15, designed to improve care of Minnesota's elderly population and vulnerable adults. The package of proposals stem from recent media reports exposing a series of abuse allegations that have failed to be investigated.

To assist families in the monitoring of vulnerable adults, the bill would allow cameras to be installed in rooms. Also, the Home Care Bill of Rights, which applies to licensed home care providers, would be expanded to include adults who live in assisted living facilities. Furthermore, the Department of Health could impose immediate fines when violations against those rights occur.

To improve the handling of complaints, the bill would require the Office of Health Facilities Complaints to implement a new electronic case management system that includes the publishing of all substantiated claims on their website.

Furthermore, the bill attempts to improve the oversight and accountability of the Office of health Facility Complaints and requires the agency to communicate their investigation findings to family members.