Pennsylvania is home to more than 3 million older adults, and this number will only continue to rise in the years ahead. As our aging population grows, so does the responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. According to the FY 2024-2025 Older Adult Protective Services Annual Report, there were 66,719 Reports of Need (allegations of abuse) that resulted in 154 suspicious death reports. All suspicious deaths should receive careful examination through a comprehensive fatality review process.
 
Although the establishment of the fatality review process has been contemplated as part of the proposed revisions to the Older Adult Protective Services Act, we cannot wait for the passage of those revisions to take meaningful action. The Auditor General’s recent performance audit of the Department of Aging further underscores the need for stronger oversight of death reviews and recommends legislative action.
 
Therefore, I am proposing legislation to create a fatality review process – one designed to thoroughly analyze the circumstances surrounding the death of an older adult. This will be accomplished through multidisciplinary review teams that include the expertise of law enforcement, district attorneys, coroners and providers who assist older adults in the community. The perspectives of these professionals will establish a review process that exposes the areas where system improvements are urgently needed.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation so that together we can establish a fatality review process that drives lasting and meaningful improvement. Pennsylvania’s older adults deserve nothing less.