Division B—Elder Justice
§1397j. Definitions
In this division:
(1) Abuse
The term "abuse" means the knowing infliction of physical or psychological harm or the knowing deprivation of goods or services that are necessary to meet essential needs or to avoid physical or psychological harm.
(2) Adult protective services
The term "adult protective services" means such services provided to adults as the Secretary may specify and includes services such as—
(A) receiving reports of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation;
(B) investigating the reports described in subparagraph (A);
(C) case planning, monitoring, evaluation, and other case work and services; and
(D) providing, arranging for, or facilitating the provision of medical, social service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, or other protective, emergency, or support services.
(3) Caregiver
The term "caregiver" means an individual who has the responsibility for the care of an elder, either voluntarily, by contract, by receipt of payment for care, or as a result of the operation of law, and means a family member or other individual who provides (on behalf of such individual or of a public or private agency, organization, or institution) compensated or uncompensated care to an elder who needs supportive services in any setting.
(4) Direct care
The term "direct care" means care by an employee or contractor who provides assistance or long-term care services to a recipient.
(5) Elder
The term "elder" means an individual age 60 or older.
(6) Elder justice
The term "elder justice" means—
(A) from a societal perspective, efforts to—
(i) prevent, detect, treat, intervene in, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and
(ii) protect elders with diminished capacity while maximizing their autonomy; and
(B) from an individual perspective, the recognition of an elder's rights, including the right to be free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
(7) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means a State or local government agency, Indian tribe or tribal organization, or any other public or private entity that is engaged in and has expertise in issues relating to elder justice or in a field necessary to promote elder justice efforts.
(8) Exploitation
The term "exploitation" means the fraudulent or otherwise illegal, unauthorized, or improper act or process of an individual, including a caregiver or fiduciary, that uses the resources of an elder for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain, or that results in depriving an elder of rightful access to, or use of, benefits, resources, belongings, or assets.
(9) Fiduciary
The term "fiduciary"—
(A) means a person or entity with the legal responsibility—
(i) to make decisions on behalf of and for the benefit of another person; and
(ii) to act in good faith and with fairness; and
(B) includes a trustee, a guardian, a conservator, an executor, an agent under a financial power of attorney or health care power of attorney, or a representative payee.
(10) Grant
The term "grant" includes a contract, cooperative agreement, or other mechanism for providing financial assistance.
(11) Guardianship
The term "guardianship" means—
(A) the process by which a State court determines that an adult individual lacks capacity to make decisions about self-care or property, and appoints another individual or entity known as a guardian, as a conservator, or by a similar term, as a surrogate decisionmaker;
(B) the manner in which the court-appointed surrogate decisionmaker carries out duties to the individual and the court; or
(C) the manner in which the court exercises oversight of the surrogate decisionmaker.
(12) Indian tribe
(A) In general
The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given such term in
(B) Inclusion of Pueblo and Rancheria
The term "Indian tribe" includes any Pueblo or Rancheria.
(13) Law enforcement
The term "law enforcement" means the full range of potential responders to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation including—
(A) police, sheriffs, detectives, public safety officers, and corrections personnel;
(B) prosecutors;
(C) medical examiners;
(D) investigators; and
(E) coroners.
(14) Long-term care
(A) In general
The term "long-term care" means supportive and health services specified by the Secretary for individuals who need assistance because the individuals have a loss of capacity for self-care due to illness, disability, or vulnerability.
(B) Loss of capacity for self-care
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "loss of capacity for self-care" means an inability to engage in 1 or more activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, bathing, management of one's financial affairs, and other activities the Secretary determines appropriate.
(15) Long-term care facility
The term "long-term care facility" means a residential care provider that arranges for, or directly provides, long-term care.
(16) Neglect
The term "neglect" means—
(A) the failure of a caregiver or fiduciary to provide the goods or services that are necessary to maintain the health or safety of an elder; or
(B) self-neglect.
(17) Nursing facility
(A) In general
The term "nursing facility" has the meaning given such term under
(B) Inclusion of skilled nursing facility
The term "nursing facility" includes a skilled nursing facility (as defined in
(18) Self-neglect
The term "self-neglect" means an adult's inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks including—
(A) obtaining essential food, clothing, shelter, and medical care;
(B) obtaining goods and services necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, or general safety; or
(C) managing one's own financial affairs.
(19) Serious bodily injury
(A) In general
The term "serious bodily injury" means an injury—
(i) involving extreme physical pain;
(ii) involving substantial risk of death;
(iii) involving protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or
(iv) requiring medical intervention such as surgery, hospitalization, or physical rehabilitation.
(B) Criminal sexual abuse
Serious bodily injury shall be considered to have occurred if the conduct causing the injury is conduct described in section 2241 (relating to aggravated sexual abuse) or 2242 (relating to sexual abuse) of title 18 or any similar offense under State law.
(20) Social
The term "social", when used with respect to a service, includes adult protective services.
(21) State legal assistance developer
The term "State legal assistance developer" means an individual described in
(22) State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The term "State Long-Term Care Ombudsman" means the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman described in
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2011, as added
§1397j–1. General provisions
(a) Protection of privacy
In pursuing activities under this division, the Secretary shall ensure the protection of individual health privacy consistent with the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and applicable State and local privacy regulations.
(b) Rule of construction
Nothing in this division shall be construed to interfere with or abridge an elder's right to practice his or her religion through reliance on prayer alone for healing when this choice—
(1) is contemporaneously expressed, either orally or in writing, with respect to a specific illness or injury which the elder has at the time of the decision by an elder who is competent at the time of the decision;
(2) is previously set forth in a living will, health care proxy, or other advance directive document that is validly executed and applied under State law; or
(3) may be unambiguously deduced from the elder's life history.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2012, as added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 264(c) of
Part I—National Coordination of Elder Justice Activities and Research
subpart a—elder justice coordinating council and advisory board on elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
§1397k. Elder Justice Coordinating Council
(a) Establishment
There is established within the Office of the Secretary an Elder Justice Coordinating Council (in this section referred to as the "Council").
(b) Membership
(1) In general
The Council shall be composed of the following members:
(A) The Secretary (or the Secretary's designee).
(B) The Attorney General (or the Attorney General's designee).
(C) The head of each Federal department or agency or other governmental entity identified by the Chair referred to in subsection (d) as having responsibilities, or administering programs, relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
(2) Requirement
Each member of the Council shall be an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(c) Vacancies
Any vacancy in the Council shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
(d) Chair
The member described in subsection (b)(1)(A) shall be Chair of the Council.
(e) Meetings
The Council shall meet at least 2 times per year, as determined by the Chair.
(f) Duties
(1) In general
The Council shall make recommendations to the Secretary for the coordination of activities of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, and other relevant Federal, State, local, and private agencies and entities, relating to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and other crimes against elders.
(2) Report
Not later than the date that is 2 years after March 23, 2010, and every 2 years thereafter, the Council shall submit to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that—
(A) describes the activities and accomplishments of, and challenges faced by—
(i) the Council; and
(ii) the entities represented on the Council; and
(B) makes such recommendations for legislation, model laws, or other action as the Council determines to be appropriate.
(g) Powers of the Council
(1) Information from Federal agencies
Subject to the requirements of
(2) Postal services
The Council may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(h) Travel expenses
The members of the Council shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Council. The members shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
(i) Detail of Government employees
Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Council without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
(j) Status as permanent Council
(k) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2021, as added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2022—Subsec. (j).
§1397k–1. Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
(a) Establishment
There is established a board to be known as the "Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation" (in this section referred to as the "Advisory Board") to create short- and long-term multidisciplinary strategic plans for the development of the field of elder justice and to make recommendations to the Elder Justice Coordinating Council established under
(b) Composition
The Advisory Board shall be composed of 27 members appointed by the Secretary from among members of the general public who are individuals with experience and expertise in elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention, detection, treatment, intervention, or prosecution.
(c) Solicitation of nominations
The Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting nominations for the appointment of members of the Advisory Board under subsection (b).
(d) Terms
(1) In general
Each member of the Advisory Board shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, except that, of the members first appointed—
(A) 9 shall be appointed for a term of 3 years;
(B) 9 shall be appointed for a term of 2 years; and
(C) 9 shall be appointed for a term of 1 year.
(2) Vacancies
(A) In general
Any vacancy on the Advisory Board shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
(B) Filling unexpired term
An individual chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the member replaced.
(3) Expiration of terms
The term of any member shall not expire before the date on which the member's successor takes office.
(e) Election of officers
The Advisory Board shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members. The Advisory Board shall elect its initial Chair and Vice Chair at its initial meeting.
(f) Duties
(1) Enhance communication on promoting quality of, and preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation in, long-term care
The Advisory Board shall develop collaborative and innovative approaches to improve the quality of, including preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation in, long-term care.
(2) Collaborative efforts to develop consensus around the management of certain quality-related factors
(A) In general
The Advisory Board shall establish multidisciplinary panels to address, and develop consensus on, subjects relating to improving the quality of long-term care. At least 1 such panel shall address, and develop consensus on, methods for managing resident-to-resident abuse in long-term care.
(B) Activities conducted
The multidisciplinary panels established under subparagraph (A) shall examine relevant research and data, identify best practices with respect to the subject of the panel, determine the best way to carry out those best practices in a practical and feasible manner, and determine an effective manner of distributing information on such subject.
(3) Report
Not later than the date that is 18 months after March 23, 2010, and annually thereafter, the Advisory Board shall prepare and submit to the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report containing—
(A) information on the status of Federal, State, and local public and private elder justice activities;
(B) recommendations (including recommended priorities) regarding—
(i) elder justice programs, research, training, services, practice, enforcement, and coordination;
(ii) coordination between entities pursuing elder justice efforts and those involved in related areas that may inform or overlap with elder justice efforts, such as activities to combat violence against women and child abuse and neglect; and
(iii) activities relating to adult fiduciary systems, including guardianship and other fiduciary arrangements;
(C) recommendations for specific modifications needed in Federal and State laws (including regulations) or for programs, research, and training to enhance prevention, detection, and treatment (including diagnosis) of, intervention in (including investigation of), and prosecution of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation;
(D) recommendations on methods for the most effective coordinated national data collection with respect to elder justice, and elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and
(E) recommendations for a multidisciplinary strategic plan to guide the effective and efficient development of the field of elder justice.
(g) Powers of the Advisory Board
(1) Information from Federal agencies
Subject to the requirements of
(2) Sharing of data and reports
The Advisory Board may request from any entity pursuing elder justice activities under the Elder Justice Act of 2009 or an amendment made by that Act, any data, reports, or recommendations generated in connection with such activities.
(3) Postal services
The Advisory Board may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(h) Travel expenses
The members of the Advisory Board shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Advisory Board. The members shall be allowed travel expenses for up to 4 meetings per year, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
(i) Detail of Government employees
Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Advisory Board without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
(j) Status as permanent advisory committee
(k) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2022, as added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Elder Justice Act of 2009, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), is subtitle H (§§6701–6703) of title VI of
Amendments
2022—Subsec. (j).
1 So in original. Probably should be "Advisory Board".
§1397k–2. Research protections
(a) Guidelines
The Secretary shall promulgate guidelines to assist researchers working in the area of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with issues relating to human subject protections.
(b) Definition of legally authorized representative for application of regulations
For purposes of the application of subpart A of part 46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, to research conducted under this subpart, the term "legally authorized representative" means, unless otherwise provided by law, the individual or judicial or other body authorized under the applicable law to consent to medical treatment on behalf of another person.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2023, as added
§1397k–3. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart—
(1) for fiscal year 2011, $6,500,000; and
(2) for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014, $7,000,000.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2024, as added
subpart b—elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation forensic centers
§1397l. Establishment and support of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation forensic centers
(a) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall make grants to eligible entities to establish and operate stationary and mobile forensic centers, to develop forensic expertise regarding, and provide services relating to, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
(b) Stationary forensic centers
The Secretary shall make 4 of the grants described in subsection (a) to institutions of higher education with demonstrated expertise in forensics or commitment to preventing or treating elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, to establish and operate stationary forensic centers.
(c) Mobile centers
The Secretary shall make 6 of the grants described in subsection (a) to appropriate entities to establish and operate mobile forensic centers.
(d) Authorized activities
(1) Development of forensic markers and methodologies
An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use funds made available through the grant to assist in determining whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred and whether a crime was committed and to conduct research to describe and disseminate information on—
(A) forensic markers that indicate a case in which elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation may have occurred; and
(B) methodologies for determining, in such a case, when and how health care, emergency service, social and protective services, and legal service providers should intervene and when the providers should report the case to law enforcement authorities.
(2) Development of forensic expertise
An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use funds made available through the grant to develop forensic expertise regarding elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in order to provide medical and forensic evaluation, therapeutic intervention, victim support and advocacy, case review, and case tracking.
(3) Collection of evidence
The Secretary, in coordination with the Attorney General, shall use data made available by grant recipients under this section to develop the capacity of geriatric health care professionals and law enforcement to collect forensic evidence, including collecting forensic evidence relating to a potential determination of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
(e) Application
To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1) for fiscal year 2011, $4,000,000;
(2) for fiscal year 2012, $6,000,000; and
(3) for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, $8,000,000.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2031, as added
Part II—Programs To Promote Elder Justice
§1397m. Enhancement of long-term care
(a) Grants and incentives for long-term care staffing
(1) In general
The Secretary shall carry out activities, including activities described in paragraphs (2) and (3), to provide incentives for individuals to train for, seek, and maintain employment providing direct care in long-term care.
(2) Specific programs to enhance training, recruitment, and retention of staff
(A) Coordination with Secretary of Labor to recruit and train long-term care staff
The Secretary shall coordinate activities under this subsection with the Secretary of Labor in order to provide incentives for individuals to train for and seek employment providing direct care in long-term care.
(B) Career ladders and wage or benefit increases to increase staffing in long-term care
(i) In general
The Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to carry out programs through which the entities—
(I) offer, to employees who provide direct care to residents of an eligible entity or individuals receiving community-based long-term care from an eligible entity, continuing training and varying levels of certification, based on observed clinical care practices and the amount of time the employees spend providing direct care; and
(II) provide, or make arrangements to provide, bonuses or other increased compensation or benefits to employees who achieve certification under such a program.
(ii) Application
To be eligible to receive a grant under this subparagraph, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require (which may include evidence of consultation with the State in which the eligible entity is located with respect to carrying out activities funded under the grant).
(iii) Authority to limit number of applicants
Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed as prohibiting the Secretary from limiting the number of applicants for a grant under this subparagraph.
(3) Specific programs to improve management practices
(A) In general
The Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to enable the entities to provide training and technical assistance.
(B) Authorized activities
An eligible entity that receives a grant under subparagraph (A) shall use funds made available through the grant to provide training and technical assistance regarding management practices using methods that are demonstrated to promote retention of individuals who provide direct care, such as—
(i) the establishment of standard human resource policies that reward high performance, including policies that provide for improved wages and benefits on the basis of job reviews;
(ii) the establishment of motivational and thoughtful work organization practices;
(iii) the creation of a workplace culture that respects and values caregivers and their needs;
(iv) the promotion of a workplace culture that respects the rights of residents of an eligible entity or individuals receiving community-based long-term care from an eligible entity and results in improved care for the residents or the individuals; and
(v) the establishment of other programs that promote the provision of high quality care, such as a continuing education program that provides additional hours of training, including on-the-job training, for employees who are certified nurse aides.
(C) Application
To be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require (which may include evidence of consultation with the State in which the eligible entity is located with respect to carrying out activities funded under the grant).
(D) Authority to limit number of applicants
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting the Secretary from limiting the number of applicants for a grant under this paragraph.
(4) Accountability measures
The Secretary shall develop accountability measures to ensure that the activities conducted using funds made available under this subsection benefit individuals who provide direct care and increase the stability of the long-term care workforce.
(5) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Community-based long-term care
The term "community-based long-term care" has the meaning given such term by the Secretary.
(B) Eligible entity
The term "eligible entity" means the following:
(i) A long-term care facility.
(ii) A community-based long-term care entity (as defined by the Secretary).
(b) Certified EHR technology grant program
(1) Grants authorized
The Secretary is authorized to make grants to long-term care facilities for the purpose of assisting such entities in offsetting the costs related to purchasing, leasing, developing, and implementing certified EHR technology (as defined in
(2) Use of grant funds
Funds provided under grants under this subsection may be used for any of the following:
(A) Purchasing, leasing, and installing computer software and hardware, including handheld computer technologies.
(B) Making improvements to existing computer software and hardware.
(C) Making upgrades and other improvements to existing computer software and hardware to enable e-prescribing.
(D) Providing education and training to eligible long-term care facility staff on the use of such technology to implement the electronic transmission of prescription and patient information.
(3) Application
(A) In general
To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a long-term care facility shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require (which may include evidence of consultation with the State in which the long-term care facility is located with respect to carrying out activities funded under the grant).
(B) Authority to limit number of applicants
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as prohibiting the Secretary from limiting the number of applicants for a grant under this subsection.
(4) Participation in State health exchanges
A long-term care facility that receives a grant under this subsection shall, where available, participate in activities conducted by a State or a qualified State-designated entity (as defined in
(5) Accountability measures
The Secretary shall develop accountability measures to ensure that the activities conducted using funds made available under this subsection help improve patient safety and reduce adverse events and health care complications resulting from medication errors.
(c) Adoption of standards for transactions involving clinical data by long-term care facilities
(1) Standards and compatibility
The Secretary shall adopt electronic standards for the exchange of clinical data by long-term care facilities, including, where available, standards for messaging and nomenclature. Standards adopted by the Secretary under the preceding sentence shall be compatible with standards established under part C of subchapter XI, standards established under subsections (b)(2)(B)(i) and (e)(4) of
(2) Electronic submission of data to the Secretary
(A) In general
Not later than 10 years after March 23, 2010, the Secretary shall have procedures in place to accept the optional electronic submission of clinical data by long-term care facilities pursuant to the standards adopted under paragraph (1).
(B) Rule of construction
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require a long-term care facility to submit clinical data electronically to the Secretary.
(3) Regulations
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this subsection. Such regulations shall require a State, as a condition of the receipt of funds under this part, to conduct such data collection and reporting as the Secretary determines are necessary to satisfy the requirements of this subsection.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
(1) for fiscal year 2011, $20,000,000;
(2) for fiscal year 2012, $17,500,000; and
(3) for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, $15,000,000.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2041, as added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Part C of subchapter XI, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is classified to
§1397m–1. Adult protective services functions and grant programs
(a) Secretarial responsibilities
(1) In general
The Secretary shall ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services—
(A) provides funding authorized by this part to State and local adult protective services offices that investigate reports of the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders;
(B) collects and disseminates data annually relating to the abuse, exploitation, and neglect of elders in coordination with the Department of Justice;
(C) develops and disseminates information on best practices regarding, and provides training on, carrying out adult protective services;
(D) conducts research related to the provision of adult protective services; and
(E) provides technical assistance to States and other entities that provide or fund the provision of adult protective services, including through grants made under subsections (b) and (c).
(2) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2011 and $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2014.
(b) Grants to enhance the provision of adult protective services
(1) Establishment
There is established an adult protective services grant program under which the Secretary shall annually award grants to States in the amounts calculated under paragraph (2) for the purposes of enhancing adult protective services provided by States and local units of government.
(2) Amount of payment
(A) In general
Subject to the availability of appropriations and subparagraphs (B) and (C), the amount paid to a State for a fiscal year under the program under this subsection shall equal the amount appropriated for that year to carry out this subsection multiplied by the percentage of the total number of elders who reside in the United States who reside in that State.
(B) Guaranteed minimum payment amount
(i) 50 States
Subject to clause (ii), if the amount determined under subparagraph (A) for a State for a fiscal year is less than 0.75 percent of the amount appropriated for such year, the Secretary shall increase such determined amount so that the total amount paid under this subsection to the State for the year is equal to 0.75 percent of the amount so appropriated.
(ii) Territories
In the case of a State other than 1 of the 50 States, clause (i) shall be applied as if each reference to "0.75" were a reference to "0.1".
(C) Pro rata reductions
The Secretary shall make such pro rata reductions to the amounts described in subparagraph (A) as are necessary to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (B).
(3) Authorized activities
(A) Adult protective services
Funds made available pursuant to this subsection may only be used by States and local units of government to provide adult protective services and may not be used for any other purpose.
(B) Use by agency
Each State receiving funds pursuant to this subsection shall provide such funds to the agency or unit of State government having legal responsibility for providing adult protective services within the State.
(C) Supplement not supplant
Each State or local unit of government shall use funds made available pursuant to this subsection to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local public funds expended to provide adult protective services in the State.
(4) State reports
Each State receiving funds under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, a report on the number of elders served by the grants awarded under this subsection.
(5) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
(c) State demonstration programs
(1) Establishment
The Secretary shall award grants to States (and, in the case of demonstration programs described in paragraph (2)(E), to the highest courts of States) for the purposes of conducting demonstration programs in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Demonstration programs
Funds made available pursuant to this subsection may be used by States and local units of government (and the highest courts of States, in the case of demonstration programs described in subparagraph (E)) to conduct demonstration programs that test—
(A) training modules developed for the purpose of detecting or preventing elder abuse;
(B) methods to detect or prevent financial exploitation of elders;
(C) methods to detect elder abuse;
(D) whether training on elder abuse forensics enhances the detection of elder abuse by employees of the State or local unit of government;
(E) subject to paragraph (3), programs to assess the fairness, effectiveness, timeliness, safety, integrity, and accessibility of adult guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, including the appointment and the monitoring of the performance of court-appointed guardians and conservators, and to implement changes deemed necessary as a result of the assessments such as mandating background checks for all potential guardians and conservators, and implementing systems to enable the annual accountings and other required conservatorship and guardianship filings to be completed, filed, and reviewed electronically in order to simplify the filing process for conservators and guardians and better enable courts to identify discrepancies and detect fraud and the exploitation of protected persons; or
(F) other matters relating to the detection or prevention of elder abuse.
(3) Requirements for court-appointed guardianship oversight demonstration programs
(A) Award of grants
In awarding grants to the highest courts of States for demonstration programs described in paragraph (2)(E), the Secretary shall consider the recommendations of the Attorney General and the State Justice Institute, as established by
(B) Collaboration
The highest court of a State awarded a grant to conduct a demonstration program described in paragraph (2)(E) shall collaborate with the State Unit on Aging for the State and the Adult Protective Services agency for the State in conducting the demonstration program.
(4) Application
To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a State (and, in the case of demonstration programs described in paragraph (2)(E), the highest court of a State) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
(5) State reports
Each State (or, in the case of demonstration programs described in paragraph (2)(E), the highest court of a State) that receives funds under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary a report at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require on the results of the demonstration program conducted by the State (or, in the case of demonstration programs described in paragraph (2)(E), the highest court of a State) using funds made available under this subsection.
(6) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2042, as added
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(2).
Subsec. (c)(2)(E), (F).
Subsec. (c)(3).
Subsec. (c)(4).
Subsec. (c)(5).
Subsec. (c)(6).
§1397m–2. Long-term care ombudsman program grants and training
(a) Grants to support the long-term care ombudsman program
(1) In general
The Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities with relevant expertise and experience in abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities or long-term care ombudsman programs and responsibilities, for the purpose of—
(A) improving the capacity of State long-term care ombudsman programs to respond to and resolve complaints about abuse and neglect;
(B) conducting pilot programs with State long-term care ombudsman offices or local ombudsman entities; and
(C) providing support for such State long-term care ombudsman programs and such pilot programs (such as through the establishment of a national long-term care ombudsman resource center).
(2) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—
(A) for fiscal year 2011, $5,000,000;
(B) for fiscal year 2012, $7,500,000; and
(C) for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014, $10,000,000.
(b) Ombudsman training programs
(1) In general
The Secretary shall establish programs to provide and improve ombudsman training with respect to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation for national organizations and State long-term care ombudsman programs.
(2) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2014, $10,000,000.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2043, as added
§1397m–3. Provision of information regarding, and evaluations of, elder justice programs
(a) Provision of information
To be eligible to receive a grant under this part, an applicant shall agree—
(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), to provide the eligible entity conducting an evaluation under subsection (b) of the activities funded through the grant with such information as the eligible entity may require in order to conduct such evaluation; or
(2) in the case of an applicant for a grant under
(b) Use of eligible entities to conduct evaluations
(1) Evaluations required
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall—
(A) reserve a portion (not less than 2 percent) of the funds appropriated with respect to each program carried out under this part; and
(B) use the funds reserved under subparagraph (A) to provide assistance to eligible entities to conduct evaluations of the activities funded under each program carried out under this part.
(2) Certified EHR technology grant program not included
The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the certified EHR technology grant program under
(3) Authorized activities
A recipient of assistance described in paragraph (1)(B) shall use the funds made available through the assistance to conduct a validated evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities funded under a program carried out under this part.
(4) Applications
To be eligible to receive assistance under paragraph (1)(B), an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a proposal for the evaluation.
(5) Reports
Not later than a date specified by the Secretary, an eligible entity receiving assistance under paragraph (1)(B) shall submit to the Secretary, the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report containing the results of the evaluation conducted using such assistance together with such recommendations as the entity determines to be appropriate.
(c) Evaluations and audits of certified EHR technology grant program by the Secretary
(1) Evaluations
The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the activities funded under the certified EHR technology grant program under
(2) Audits
The Secretary shall conduct appropriate audits of grants made under
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2044, as added
§1397m–4. Report
Not later than October 1, 2014, the Secretary shall submit to the Elder Justice Coordinating Council established under
(1) compiling, summarizing, and analyzing the information contained in the State reports submitted under subsections (b)(4) and (c)(4) 1 of
(2) containing such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2045, as added
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Subsection (c)(4) of
1 See References in Text note below.
§1397m–5. Rule of construction
Nothing in this division shall be construed as—
(1) limiting any cause of action or other relief related to obligations under this division that is available under the law of any State, or political subdivision thereof; or
(2) creating a private cause of action for a violation of this division.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XX, §2046, as added