Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Wednesday intended to strengthen protections for elderly and disabled Missourians against financial exploitation. Missouri already has a law that makes it a crime to take financial advantage of an elderly or disabled person through deception, intimidation or force. However, officials say it has been difficult for prosecutors to prove cases of financial exploitation when the perpetrator has guardianship or power of attorney.
Under the newly approved law, it now will be a crime to use "undue influence" to exploit someone's "vulnerable state of mind, neediness, pain or agony." That specifically could be applied to instances of improper or fraudulent use of power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship or other fiduciary authority.
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Missouri Legislation Strengthens Senior Protections
Wonderful news that includes fiduciaries. Let's hope and pray all the other states will pay attention and see the need to strengthen their laws. It's our duty, it's the right thing to do to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe System will likely use this to protect their un due influence and fraudulent use of power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship or other fiduciary authority that they take away from their wards.
ReplyDeleteThese court appointed people and people in the system are the ones that should be held accountable.
Wonderful news - every state should do the same!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, state of Missouri. Things are beginning to look up!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Missouri! This is a very big step for your elerly citizens.
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