A new California bill has been introduced specifically with elder abuse victims in mind. According to California Healthline, nursing employees as well as social, health and law enforcement employees will have to inform both an ombudsman and local law enforcement if elder abuse is suspected. Assembly member Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) introduced the bill because the current bill only required employers to report to one agency or the other, not both.

On top of this, another bill (SB 558) was passed by Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) to help lower the "burden of proof in elder abuse cases". This means that the evidence needed to convict one of elder abuse will not be as strict as it used to be.

If you suspect or have witnessed elder abuse, it is imperative that you report the abuse to the nursing home staff members as well as the local police department if the abuse is life threatening. Contact a qualified and knowledgeable California Elder Abuse Attorney today.

Posted by Michael Young at 2:18 PM | Permalink

The California Senate Office of Oversight and Outcomes suggested, earlier this year, that an overhaul must take place in regard to the State Ombudsman program. Inadequate funding and a lack of direction have led to ineffectiveness. In addition, new conflicting laws have severely restricted ombudsman ability to report abuse. The statistics show that a radical drop in the reporting of abuse or neglect to nursing home licensing agencies and Community Care Licensing. Many fear that more incidents of California Nursing home abuse and neglect are occurring but going unreported since there is nowhere for victims to turn. No matter what the circumstances of your California elder abuse case, it is vital to report it to a qualified nursing home abuse attorney. They will give the information to the appropriate authorities and make sure it is investigated thoroughly while working hard to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Contact one of our leading California nursing home abuse lawyers today.

Posted by Michael Young at 6:40 AM | Permalink