Thursday, March 6, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
"The serious problems of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are unfortunately magnified by the tremendous growth in senior population that Nevada is experiencing," Del Papa said Thursday. "This is not a problem that will go away without extensive coordination and long-range planning."
The plan joins a growing list of legislative measures designed to aid the elderly, some of them filed on behalf of the attorney general's office.
One of those bills, SB80, would triple civil damages for abuse or neglect if the victim is 60 or older. The Assembly Judiciary Committee has also introduced AB242, which would make it a gross misdemeanor for anyone to cut off access to an elderly person without a valid reason. Penalties for abuse and neglect also would be increased.
In addition, the Assembly Judiciary is reviewing several bills that would allow criminal history checks for nursing home employees. And at Thursday's Assembly floor session, members unanimously passed AB1, which speeds the appeal process in age-discrimination cases.
Del Papa's report was the result of several conferences with the elderly and their advocates. Conference participants split into six committees which are currently coordinating state and local agencies, developing training programs and reviewing legislation and caregiver licensing regulations.
Of particular concern are rural areas, where the elderly have fewer resources and may often be left without caretakers. Committee participants hope to reach some of those residents through public information campaigns and expanded adult-care services.
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