Senate Advances Coleman, Langerholc Bill to Ensure Safeguards for Older Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG - Building on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor's recent audit on the state Department of Aging, the Senate approved legislation co-authored by Sens. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) and Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) that would implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians.

"I began asking questions and advocating for tighter rules and new protections last year, when reporting by Spotlight PA revealed serious deficiencies in our commonwealth's response to complaints of suspected abuse and neglect of our seniors," Coleman said. "Based on the stories I read and heard, I knew that we needed a better system to protect older Pennsylvanians. Our elderly residents are falling through the cracks left by the failures of the Department of Aging - and Senate Bill 1376 will help fill those cracks immediately."

"These efforts, spearheaded by Sen. Coleman, come in response to the Department's continued inaction on necessary reforms identified by the media, whistleblowers, and the auditor general," said Langerholc. "Protecting older adults and ensuring their well-being should be a priority for every member of the General Assembly. It is time for the House to act swiftly to pass this legislation, restore essential oversight, and implement critical improvements within the Department of Aging and the Area Agency on Aging network."

Senate Bill 1376 addresses many of the departmental weaknesses identified by DeFoor's audit and would ensure the state Department of Aging provides real oversight of Pennsylvania's 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

The legislation would:

• Create training requirements for AAA staff currently being inadequately trained as identified in DeFoor's audit.
• Establish department standards for how to handle each category of case before the AAA.
• Adopt performance metrics designed to adequately ensure older adults are receiving the services they are supposed to from their AAA.
• Outline a corrective action plan to put poor performing AAAs into compliance with the law and department standards and regulations.

Senate Bill 1376 would not discipline poor-performing AAAs, instead implementing additional oversight and reforms to get the AAAs back on track.

The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by AAAs.

Spotlight PA's extensive investigative coverage of this issue inspired Senate Bill 1376.

CONTACTS: Leo Knepper (Coleman)
Gwenn Dando (Langerholc)