Governor Quinn passed several new laws with the intention of protecting senior citizens in Illinois. The Alzheimer’s Association® and advocates supported these bills. The bills aim to promote safety and increase accountability for caretakers. Additionally, they help authorities identify and respond to reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Below, you can find a short synopsis of some of the crucial legislation passed.

If someone is charged with financial exploitation of an elderly person, House Bill 5653 allows a court to freeze their assets. This AARP Illinois initiative advocates for greater protection against elderly financial exploitation. This new law helps prevent defendants from spending stolen money to mount an expensive legal defense.

House Bill 5098 requires training probation officers on how to recognize and appropriately respond to crimes against the elderly. This bill further expands the state’s efforts to prevent crimes against the elderly.

House Bill 5009 aides in the safe return of nursing home patients found outside their residence. This legislation requires nursing home residents wear identification wristlets with the facility’s telephone number.

Another law, Senate Bill 3171, brings Illinois law into compliance with federal law regarding the release the deceased’ health records. This new legislation will allow the executor of the estate who holds their power of attorney to receive their medical records.

For more information on business law or this new legislation, click here. If you have a claim regarding the mistreatment of an elderly person or nursing home neglect, contact us today.

Source: Illinois Government News Network