NCJ Number
91154
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 52 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1983) Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes some of the more useful statutes and rules with which the police should be acquainted so as to take action and make referrals that will assist in ensuring the safety and welfare of the disabled elderly.
Abstract
The police have a duty to see that nursing home regulations are enforced and that the civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution and State and Federal statutes are not denied nursing home residents. All States have laws concerning the granting of a power of attorney as well as procedures for the establishment of guardianship over a person's estate and person. Police may be called to the scene of a domestic dispute or in some other circumstance be asked to state the law regarding guardianship. The police can also assist the elderly by keeping current on the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978. Another often overlooked subject in police training concerns the civil and criminal liabilities for withholding extraordinary or 'heroic' care from patients. The police must also be aware of the extensive Federal legislation that provides various benefits for the elderly so appropriate social service referrals may be made based on specific needs of the elderly. Forty-three footnotes are provided. For part 1 of the article, see NCJ 91152.