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AHCA Calls for National Database of Sexual Offenders |
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AHCA Calls for National Database of Sexual Offenders
During a House Small Business Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and
Oversight hearing, “The Impact of Predators in Long-Term Care on Small Business
Operations,” AHCA asked Congress and law enforcement to develop a national
database of sex offenders and a consistent and standard definition of the term,
stating that a collaborative effort is needed to achieve the highest levels of
safety for long term care residents. Tom Coble, President & CEO of Elmbrook
Management Company, represented AHCA before the subcommittee and detailed the
difficulties facing nursing facilities on this complex issue, calling on
policymakers and law enforcement to provide clear policies for long term care
facilities to deal with and address resident protection as well as compliance
with federal privacy laws. The hearing was called as a result of recent news reports
highlighting instances of sexual predators and felons in nursing facilities.
Coble indicated that nursing facilities must provide quality long term care and
services in a safe and secure environment to all frail, elderly and disabled
who can no longer safely be cared for in their homes or communities, regardless
of their history. He also testified that AHCA is deeply concerned about the
issue of sexual predators in nursing homes, and will continue to work to ensure
that all residents, families and staff are safe in their facilities. For
additional information please go to Sexual
Offenders.
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