NY S03853

Establishes a statewide central register of elder abuse and maltreatment reports within the Office of Children and Family Services, operational 24/7 with a single statewide telephone number for reporting suspected elder abuse of persons aged 60 and older.

Requires mandated reporters including physicians, nurses, social workers, law enforcement, attorneys, nursing home staff, and other healthcare and service professionals to immediately report suspected elder abuse by telephone or facsimile, followed by written report within 24 hours.

Imposes penalties of Class A misdemeanor for willful failure to report suspected elder abuse and establishes civil liability for those who knowingly and willfully fail to report; provides immunity from criminal and civil liability for good faith reports.

Creates a 21-member Elder Justice Coordinating Council within the executive department comprising state agency commissioners, gubernatorial appointees with elder abuse expertise, and legislative appointees to develop comprehensive state policy and coordinate interagency responses to elder abuse cases.

Requires the council to establish community forums in eight regions within one year to develop a statewide plan for identification, investigation, and intervention in elder abuse cases, with biennial reports to the governor and legislature; effective date October 1, 2021, except central register provisions effective January 1, 2023.