Date: 04/08/2010
Final
Presentation from the Caregiver Abuse Task Force
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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02:35 PM -- Presentation from the Caregiver Abuse Task Force
Darla Stuart introduced herself to the committee and referenced House Bill 09-1178, which established the Caregiver Abuse Task Force. Sandy Toscano stated that her sister who is disabled was abused by a caregiver. She relayed her personal story to the committee. She expressed her frustration by the fact that there was not much she could do about the abuse.
02:39 PM
Lynette Johnson, member of the Caregiver Abuse Task Force, described the activities of the task force. Two handouts were provided to the committee (Attachments E and F). She stated that the task force has looked at other states' best practices with regard to addressing the issue of caregiver abuse. Ms. Stuart highlighted one of the handouts that shows the various bodies that have investigatory authority for caregiver abuse. She spoke to Massachusetts' model which requires individuals who work with vulnerable populations to register with the state. She stated that Massachusetts maintains a database containing the names of individuals who are suspected of caregiver abuse. Ms. Stuart described some of the funding mechanisms the task force has considered in order to establish and maintain a similar registry. She stated that the task force will provide its final report to the Department of Human Services and to the committee in June.
02:53 PM
The committee adjourned.