SB271 - Elder Abuse Prevention Act Summary

• Creates the Alabama Interagency Council for the Prevention of Elder Abuse to coordinate statewide efforts addressing elder abuse, exploitation, and neglect affecting thousands of Alabama's elderly citizens.

• Council membership includes chief executive officers from 22 state and non-state agencies, with the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court appointing the chair and designating a lead agency responsible for administration and monitoring.

• Council must meet bi-monthly, develop a long-range comprehensive care plan reviewed semi-annually, and report progress to the Chief Justice, Governor, and Legislature by the 10th legislative day of each regular session.

• Defines elder abuse types including physical, sexual, emotional/psychological abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and material exploitation of persons age 60 and above.

• Council subject to Alabama Sunset Law with termination date of October 1, 2015, and every four years thereafter unless continued; implementation contingent on appropriations availability.