By CLARK KAUFFMAN • REGISTER STAFF WRITER
March 5, 2008
A bill that would close loopholes in Iowa's elder-abuse law is drawing criticism from health industry officials and lawmakers who fear that it could "criminalize" the nursing profession.
The bill would modify Iowa's dependent-adult abuse law to create slightly broader definitions of "caretakers" and "dependent adults."
Under the current law, some employees of care facilities can sexually assault or steal from residents but not face charges of dependent-adult abuse because their jobs - such as those of a laundry aide or a housekeeper - may not be considered caretaking positions.
Also, some residents of care facilities may not be considered dependent despite their reliance on employees of the facilities to meet their daily needs.
(abridged) SOURCE: DesMoinesRegister
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It always come to the question of balancing the rights of in individual and the protection of the elderly. Read the whole article at source site.
But, if there is a law in place to allow prosecuting the proven elder abusers, then perhaps people will think twice before committing Elder Abuse
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