CT SB00706

Expands the definition of "mandated reporters" for elderly abuse to include 21 categories of professionals, adding emergency medical services providers and clarifying that representatives of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman are excluded from the definition.

Requires mandated reporters who have reasonable cause to suspect elderly abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment to report to the Commissioner of Social Services within 72 hours.

Imposes penalties of up to $500 fine for failure to report within the prescribed timeframe, or class C misdemeanor for first intentional offense and class A misdemeanor for subsequent intentional offenses.

Mandates that institutions, organizations, agencies, and facilities employing caregivers for persons 60 years or older provide training on detecting abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment, and inform employees of their reporting obligations.

Takes effect October 1, 2015.