House Resolution 590, passed in June 2002, directed the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LB&FC) to study the need for protective services for adults between 18 and 59 years of age who are at imminent risk of injury or death due to a physical or cognitive impairment, neglect, abuse, or other incapacitating condition. The LB&FC is looking at the types of services needed, the most appropriate administrative structure for an adult protective services program, necessary legislative language to implement a program and other relevant factors which would inform the General Assembly and help them determine how best to meet the needs of this population. The report is to be submitted in June.
Staff from the LB&FC recently held an initial discussion with PCPA staff and plan to obtain input from PCPA members at the March 2003 Mental Health and Mental Retardation Committee meetings. For a copy of HR 590, access the Legislative Section of the web site or contact Lynn Keltz or Melissa DiSanto Simmons at PCPA.