Elder abuse legislation headed to the governor for his signature

NASHVILLE, TN (WJHL) – Legislation meant to protect Tennessee’s senior citizens is now headed to the governor for his signature.

The legislation would make it more difficult for people with troubled pasts to get jobs helping the elderly. If signed, it would require background checks for people who work directly with patients, including employees of home care organizations.

A joint resolution, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), also passed and is now headed to the governor. The resolution would require the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability to conduct a study on the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

The state’s Elder Abuse Task Force presented several recommendations to fight elder abuse earlier this year. Lawmakers created the task force after a 2013 Community Watchdog investigation into the state’s abuse problem.

Rep. Dale Carr (R-Sevier County) sponsored the background check bill, which requires every person who works with an elderly person to have a background check before he or she starts a job. Currently, people can secure background checks after they’re hired within a 10-day window.

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Elder abuse legislation headed to the governor for his signature