Pennsylvania House Bill HB527

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25

Caption

Providing for communication duties between the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services with certain agencies and the Department of Aging relating to abuse of adults and older adults.

Impact

If enacted, HB 527 will amend existing state laws governing the communication and reporting responsibilities of various health and human service agencies. Specifically, the bill mandates that allegations of abuse concerning older adults be referred to local area agencies for screening and investigation as per the Older Adults Protective Services Act. Similar provisions apply for allegations involving adults under the Adult Protective Services Act. By establishing clear responsibilities, the bill intends to promote a cohesive network of support dedicated to protecting these vulnerable groups and addressing abuse more efficiently.

Summary

House Bill 527, also known as the Communication of Older Adult Abuse Act, aims to enhance communication protocols among the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Aging in relation to abuse allegations involving older adults and adults in facilities. The bill seeks to ensure that when allegations of abuse are reported, relevant departments are obligated to refer those allegations to appropriate local agencies for investigation and to share necessary information to facilitate prompt and effective responses. This step is intended to create a more coherent approach to handle abuse cases effectively, thereby improving the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations in care facilities.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 527 is supportive, particularly among legislators and advocacy groups focused on the welfare of older adults. Proponents argue that by clarifying and enhancing communication duties among relevant agencies, the bill will improve the response to abuse allegations and ensure that older adults receive the protection they need. However, some concerns have been voiced regarding the adequacy of resources allocated to these agencies to handle the increased responsibilities that may arise from implementing enhanced communication protocols.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the potential for increased bureaucracy and whether agencies will have the necessary resources to fulfill the additional communication and referral duties mandated by the bill. Opponents worry that without adequate funding and support, the implementation of such measures could lead to inefficiencies or delays in addressing abuse cases. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of inter-agency communication and whether the proposed changes will translate into meaningful improvements in the protection of older adults.