NY S01417

Establishes a statewide central register within the Office of Children and Family Services to receive 24/7 reports of elder abuse and maltreatment and immediately transmit allegations to appropriate adult protective services and law enforcement agencies.

Designates over 25 professional categories as mandatory reporters, including physicians, nurses, social workers, nursing home staff, and law enforcement officials, who must report suspected abuse of residents age 60 or older immediately by phone and in writing within 24 hours.

Imposes criminal penalties of class A misdemeanor for willful failure to report suspected elder abuse and establishes civil liability for knowing and willful failure to report, while granting immunity to good-faith reporters.

Creates a 21-member Elder Justice Coordinating Council comprising state officials, gubernatorial appointees, and legislative-recommended members to coordinate interagency responses and develop comprehensive state policy on elder abuse and maltreatment.

Requires the council to establish eight regional community forums within one year to develop a statewide plan for identifying, investigating, and intervening in elder abuse cases, with reports due to the governor and legislature by October 1, 2020, and biannually thereafter.