Pennsylvania updates Older Adult Protective Services Act to enhance protections against abuse

The Aging & Older Adult Services Committee convened on April 7, 2025, to address critical updates to the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OPSA), which has been essential in safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of older adults at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment.

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive update to OPSA to resolve constitutional issues identified by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in 2015. The court ruled that the existing use of lifetime bans under OPSA was unconstitutional, prompting discussions on creating a waiver process for individuals with prohibited offenses to demonstrate they no longer pose a danger.

Committee members emphasized the importance of broadening abuse reporting requirements and enhancing the tools and resources available to protect the growing population of older adults. Key proposals included expanding the definition of mandatory reporters, equipping banks and financial institutions with better resources to identify signs of exploitation, and improving information sharing among stakeholders.

Education for seniors and their families on internet safety was also a focal point, as was the need for collaboration among home health care aides, local service providers, and law enforcement to effectively identify and address various forms of elder abuse.

The committee noted that since OPSA was first enacted in 1987, the landscape of older adult care has evolved significantly, with more individuals relying on home and community-based services to maintain their independence. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to advancing legislation that better protects older adults in Pennsylvania, reflecting the changing needs of this demographic.

As the meeting concluded, members reiterated the necessity of ongoing collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of these updates and to enhance the overall safety and well-being of older adults in the community.