Senator Amy Klobuchar Holds Roundtable Discussion on Guardianship Abuse

Senator Amy Klobuchar is pushing for more oversight of court-appointed guardians, in hopes of reining in financial and physical abuse of their wards.

"The number of people older than 85 is going to quadruple by the year 2030," Sen. Klobuchar told KARE. "A number of them may need guardians in their later years and we want to make sure they're safe and that the system works."

Klobuchar introduced a bill that would implement criminal background checks for guardians, add more financial oversight and encourage states to require training for new guardians. While some guardians are professionals, many are family members who often serve in the dual role of conservator.

"You have people ripping people off of hundreds of millions of dollars, and that means it needs to be changed, and it can really have some simple changes that aren't that costly. "Minnesota is now one of 13 states that require background checks of guardians. That was part of a set of laws passed in 2009 and 2010, which also ushered in an electronic filing system designed to flag financial irregularities.

Full Article and Source:
Klobuchar Looks to Rein in Abuse by Legal Guardians

See Also:
Read the 2010 GAO Report:
Guardianships - Cases of Financial Exploitation,Neglect and Abuse of Seniors

Protecting Our Vulnerable Citizens from Unlawful and Abusive Guardianships and Conservatorships

A Review of Unlawful "Emergency" Guardianships

The Fleecing of Medicaid and the Taxpayers