SB169 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Elder and Adult in Need of Protective Services Abuse Registry to track individuals convicted of elder abuse crimes or found to have committed abuse against elderly persons or vulnerable adults.

• Requires service providers (assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, and similar organizations) to query the registry before hiring employees or prospective employees.

• Adds criminal penalties including Class C misdemeanor charges for mandated reporters who knowingly fail to report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse.

• Registry entries include convictions under elder abuse statutes, protection orders issued, and findings by the Department of Human Resources; information remains permanent except as removed through an established due process procedure by January 1, 2023.

• Effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.