Connecticut House Bill HB05522

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/15
• Refer: 1/16/15

Caption

An Act Adding Emergency Medical Services Personnel To The List Of Mandated Reporters Of Elderly Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation Or Abandonment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend Section 17b-451 of the general statutes to officially designate emergency medical services personnel as mandated reporters. This change could potentially lead to an increase in reported cases of elderly abuse and neglect, as emergency responders often engage directly with elderly patients in various settings. The implications of this bill could result in more robust protective measures for elderly citizens, as it would obligate these professionals to act on their suspicions regarding the well-being of their patients.

Summary

House Bill 05522 aims to enhance the protection of elderly individuals by adding emergency medical services personnel to the list of mandated reporters for suspected cases of elderly abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. This legislative measure recognizes the critical role that emergency medical workers play in identifying and reporting signs of abuse, thereby helping to safeguard vulnerable populations. By making these professionals mandated reporters, the bill seeks to ensure that suspicions of abuse are reported to the appropriate authorities, facilitating timely interventions.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen protections for the elderly, there may be concerns regarding the implications for emergency medical services personnel. Critics could argue that the requirement to report suspected abuse may impose an additional burden on these professionals, who already work under considerable pressure in emergency situations. There may also be discussions about the adequacy of training for these personnel to recognize and appropriately respond to signs of elderly abuse, as well as potential fears of frivolous reporting that could arise from misconceptions or unclear evidence of abuse.