Legislation in Tennessee made to curb elder abuse is gaining traction. The legislation would require all workers in elderly care to undergo a background check prior to being hired.

WJHL discusses the legislation in further detail.

The bill would require background checks for people who work directly with patients, including employees of home care organizations, before they’re hired. Currently, employees have a 10-day window to secure background checks after they’re hired. Sponsor Rep. Dale Carr (R-District 12) says by then, the harm is already done.

In addition, the legislation would pave the way for more cooperation among agencies to reduce and respond to elder abuse.

“It just puts all of the agencies working together until we come up with one common ground that is to protect our elderly and get rid of this elder abuse,” Rep. Carr said. “(The elderly) are really going to benefit from this.”

Another article by WJHL discusses the current state of the legislation.

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 current legislation is awaiting Governor Bill Haslam’s signature.

Photo by Moyan Brenn via Flickr CC License