HARRY HUGHES, Governor                                     3745

WHEREAS, The State Ombudsman Program of the Office of Aging
received 101 complaints of abuse of elderly people in nursing
homes during the period between October 1, 1983 and September 30,
1984; and

WHEREAS, The Adult Protective Services Program of the

Department of Human Services received over 800 complaints

concerning abuse or neglect of elderly people during 1984; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to appoint a Task Force to examine the
State's current response to the problems of elderly abuse and
neglect; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force examine and report on:

(1)  The availability of models for the prevention of
elderly abuse and neglect and a review of successful programs in
other states and the potential for their utilization in Maryland;

(2)  The coordination and effectiveness of existing
community resources for the detection and treatment of elderly
abuse, including reimbursement of emergency medical treatment for
suspected victims of elderly abuse, and training programs for
professionals who work with the elderly;

(3)  The ability of the State to respond to increasing
demands for elderly welfare and protective services necessitated
by the increase in elderly abuse and neglect;

(4)  The effectiveness of Maryland's judicial and
legislative efforts to deal with elderly abuse and neglect;

(5)  The relationship between the agencies responsible
for services for the elderly;

(6)  Whether current staffing levels within the unit
that provides protective services for the elderly at the local
level are adequate;

(7)  The manner in which administrative policies
affect elderly people who are at risk of abuse or neglect; and

(8)  The need for mandatory reporting laws concerning
incidents of elderly abuse and neglect; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Task Force shall make recommendations
for the implementation of more effective and comprehensive
responses to the problems of elderly abuse and neglect in
Maryland; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force be composed of 10 members
appointed as follows: