Alice's Law to create older adult abuse registry clears Pa. Senate committee

Harrisburg, Pa. — Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) to establish a statewide Older Adult Abuse Registry advanced Sept. 30 after the Senate Aging and Youth Committee approved it, as amended.

Senate Bill 807, known as Alice’s Law, would create the registry as an additional safeguard intended to prevent individuals accused or convicted of abusing older adults from moving between caregiving positions, according to a release from Culver’s office.

The bill would amend Pennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services Act and set requirements for creating, maintaining and using the registry, the release said.

Alice’s Law is named in memory of Alice Longenberger, who endured abuse while receiving care at a facility, according to the release. Her daughter, Lynn Fiedler, founded Journey to Justice to raise awareness of elder abuse and advocate for stronger protections for older and care-dependent Pennsylvanians.

“Today’s committee vote moves Alice’s Law another step forward and continues the work Lynn Fiedler began by sharing her mother’s story,” Culver said. “Alice’s experience brought attention to gaps in the protections available for older adults and their families. I appreciate Lynn’s continued advocacy and the work that has gone into refining this legislation as it moves through the Senate.”

The amendment adopted by the committee places responsibility for establishing and maintaining the registry with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), in consultation with the Pennsylvania departments of Aging and Health, the release said.

The amendment also clarifies definitions and the criteria for placement on the registry, establishes reporting requirements related to criminal convictions, and provides notice and an opportunity for administrative review before an individual is placed on the registry.

“The changes made today provide greater clarity around how the registry would operate, the agencies responsible for it and the process for individuals who may be placed on it,” Culver said. “Our goal throughout this process has been to develop a workable system that provides additional safeguards for older adults while establishing clear procedures for everyone involved.”

Senate Bill 807 has bipartisan co-sponsorship and now advances from the Senate Aging and Youth Committee for further consideration by the Senate, according to the release.

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Alice's Law to create older adult abuse registry clears Pa. Senate committee