HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
158 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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requesting the long-term care ombudsman in the executive office on aging to establish an outreach program that encourages volunteers and family members to visit adult residential care homes, licensed assisted living facilities, and nursing CARE facilities and to report any abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of the elderly and dependent adults.
WHEREAS, the Legislature values our elders and recognizes that they are important members of our community; and
WHEREAS, dependent adults, including elders 60 years of age or older and individuals with physical or mental impairments, comprise a significant and growing sector of the population; and
WHEREAS, dependent adults have a right to a dignified existence; and
WHEREAS, many elders and individuals with physical or mental impairments become dependent on caregivers for their personal health, safety, or welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that these people are more vulnerable and at a heightened risk of being subjected to abuse, neglect, and exploitation by those caring for them; and
WHEREAS, dependents adults and the elderly should not be subjected to verbal, sexual, physical, or mental abuse and involuntary seclusion; and
WHEREAS, adult residential care homes and long-term care facilities must care for residents in a manner that enhances their life; and
WHEREAS, these facilities must provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in the Executive Office on Aging is requested to establish an outreach program that encourages volunteers and family members to visit adult residential care homes, licensed assisted living facilities, and nursing care facilities and to report any abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of the elderly and dependent adults; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is encouraged to obtain the assistance of the Office of Health Assurances in the Department of Health, nonprofit organizations, churches, county senior centers, and other special interest groups concerned with the elderly; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocate and educate dependent adults, care givers, and the community at large on Resident's Rights; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Director of Health, Director of the Office on Aging, and Chief of the Office of Health Care Assurances.
OFFERED BY: |
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Report Title:
Requesting the establishment of a Long-Term Care Outreach Program