Legislation introduced in 2001 seeks to modify and expand elder-abuse protections, impose minimum staffing standards on nursing homes, and increase the number of health professionals trained in gerontology. Requires the Office of Criminal Justice and Planning to consult with various agencies to establish medical forensic forms fulfilling specified criteria, instructions, and examination protocol for elder and dependent adults who are the victims of physical abuse or neglect and domestic-violence victims. Establishes the Medicare Payment Area Task Force in the California Health and Human Services Agency, and requires the task force to develop recommendations on Medicare payment areas by September 1, 2002. Authorizes the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to administer grants to medical residents who complete fellowships in geriatrics.
Revises intake and intervention requirements in county adult protective services programs.
States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to ensure that seniors have the right, regardless of their assets, to reside in the long-term care facility of their choice and that meets their specific medical needs. States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation to permit payment structures and tax incentives to allow all Californians ready access to aging and long-term care facilities and services. Requires facilities to post the staffing ratio requirements in the bill. Establishes penalties for violations of these provisions. Requires health care service plans to provide enrollees who are age 60 years or older access to the medical services of any specialist of the enrollee's choice, if the specialist is licensed by California, including those specialists who are not under contract to the plan.