PRINTER'S NO. 3678
No. 280 Session of 1984
INTRODUCED BY BARBER, OCTOBER 3, 1984
ADOPTED, OCTOBER 3, 1984
A RESOLUTION
1 Directing the Health and Welfare Committee to investigate
2 allegations of improprieties of certain residential groups
3 and nursing homes and to make a report to the House of
4 Representatives as soon as possible.
5 WHEREAS, The House of Representatives through the Health and
6 Welfare Committee has received information alleging that some
7 patients and residents of group homes, residential care
8 facilities, nursing homes and other community living arrangement
9 facilities continue to suffer from neglect, inadequate medical
10 treatment, physical and mental abuse and threats of violence
11 from the staff of these facilities; and
12 WHEREAS, Further information indicates that these same
13 facilities are condoning antisocial behavior and advancing the
14 interests of criminal elements in the community; and
15 WHEREAS, The House of Representatives recognizes the need for
16 remedial legislation to correct this situation; therefore be it
17 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Health
18 and Welfare Committee to investigate these allegations to
1 determine whether the alleged incidents have occurred and the
2 reasons for their occurrence; and be it further
3 RESOLVED, That the committee may hold hearings, take
4 testimony and make its investigations at such places as it deems
5 necessary in this Commonwealth. It may issue subpoenas under the
6 hand and seal of its chairman commanding any person to appear
7 before the committee and to answer questions touching matters
8 properly being inquired into by the committee and to produce
9 such books, papers, records and documents as the committee deems
10 necessary. The subpoenas may be served upon any person and shall
11 have the same effect as subpoenas issued out of the courts of
12 this Commonwealth. Any person who willfully neglects or refuses
13 to testify before the committee or to produce any books, papers,
14 records or documents shall be subject to the penalties provided
15 by the laws of this Commonwealth in such case. Each member of
16 the committee shall have power to administer oaths and
17 affirmations to witnesses appearing before the committee; and be
18 it further
19 RESOLVED, That the Health and Welfare Committee make a report
20 to the House of Representatives as soon as possible and no later
21 than November 30, 1984.
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