Urges Congress to fully fund programs and activities under federal Elder Justice Act.
Impact
The resolution highlights the broader implications of the Elder Justice Act, which includes provisions for grants aimed at enhancing state adult protective services and long-term care ombudsman programs. Furthermore, it authorizes federal funding for survey agencies overseeing long-term care facilities and establishes a forensic center specifically focused on elder abuse and neglect. Despite these intentions, the resolution notes that many of the act's provisions have remained unfunded, stymieing progress in safeguarding elder rights and addressing abuse effectively.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 49 is a resolution introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly that urges Congress to fully fund the programs and activities mandated under the federal Elder Justice Act. Enacted in 2010 as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Elder Justice Act was significant as it represented the first federal legislation aimed at providing a dedicated source of funding to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This resolution underscores the pressing need for adequate funding to ensure the success of initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable elder populations.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding the Elder Justice Act relates to the failure of Congress to appropriate the necessary funds. Since the expiration of funding authorizations for many Elder Justice Act activities in 2014, there has been a significant lack of federal resources allocated, which has limited both state and community efforts to support seniors effectively. This has drawn criticism from various stakeholders who argue that without sufficient federal backing, the objectives of the act cannot be realized, raising concerns about the welfare of elders in care facilities and beyond.