In the near future, I intend to re-introduce legislation that will require the Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Human Services and Aging to communicate on a regular basis to ensure that any reports of elder abuse made to these agencies are sent to the correct location to be properly investigated.
 
The number of elder abuse reports, also known as Reports of Need (RON) continue to increase each year. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Older Adult Protective Services Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, there was a 67% increase in the number of RONs over the past five years. In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, there were 53,873 reports (resulting in 39,687 investigations and 14,202 substantiated). It is important to keep in mind that this only accounts for the number of reports made and does not capture the matters that have not been reported. Currently, investigations of alleged elder abuse are initiated by the local Area Agencies on Aging. The Pennsylvania Department of Health receives reports pertaining to skilled nursing facilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services receives reports pertaining to personal care homes and assisted living residences. These Departments assess regulatory compliance.
 
With numerous Departments receiving reports and conducting investigations, it may be confusing for the public to know where they should submit a report. Where there is confusion, there is miscommunication. Our older Pennsylvanians cannot afford to have such miscommunication when their lives and financial well-being are at stake. Sadly, this legislation is inspired by a constituent of mine, Robert Raph, who passed away in a long term care facility. It is my hope that by acting on this important legislation, all allegations of elder abuse made to an agency with oversight in this field will end up in the proper location so it can be investigated in a timely manner.
 
I respectfully ask you to join me as a co-sponsor of the Robert Raph Act.