Connecticut Senate Bill SB00470

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/18
• Refer: 3/7/18

Caption

An Act Concerning The Unauthorized Practice Of Elder Law.

Impact

If enacted, SB00470 will reinforce the legal boundaries for practitioners in the field of elder law, particularly in terms of who can advise or assist residents on legal issues concerning Medicaid eligibility and estate planning. The bill's emphasis on requiring proper licensing intends to ensure that individuals offering legal advice are qualified and adhere to ethical standards, significantly impacting how elder law is interpreted and practiced in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 00470, titled 'An Act Concerning The Unauthorized Practice Of Elder Law,' aims to amend existing laws surrounding who is authorized to provide legal services related to elder law. The bill specifically focuses on preventing individuals who are not licensed attorneys from engaging in practices that could be interpreted as legal advice regarding elder law matters, especially those involving Medicaid and estate planning. The central purpose is to protect the vulnerable elderly population from potentially harmful practices by unqualified individuals.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB00470 highlight concerns regarding the balance between regulating legal practice and the accessibility of legal services for the elderly. Supporters argue that the bill is essential in safeguarding the elderly from fraud and misrepresentation, while critics may raise issues about how this might limit the availability of legal assistance for seniors, especially in underserved areas. Additionally, the implications of strictly delineating the practice of elder law could lead to further debates on the adequacy of current legal services provided to seniors.