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12/02/2024 10:14 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20210&cosponId=34459
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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 28, 2021 04:28 PM
From: Representative Ryan A. Bizzarro
To: All House members
Subject: Your Right to Know
 
Personal care homes and assisted living communities are excellent options for folks who need extra care or the security of having help nearby, but who are still able to maintain their independence. The people who staff these facilities truly do their jobs as a labor of love and because they genuinely want to help others. However, every once in a while, an unscrupulous person comes through and threatens to give the entire profession a bad name. What is more is that they can come to commit heinous crimes against the residents of these homes and communities.

When bad actors slip through the cracks and find their way into staff positions at personal care homes and assisted living communities they threaten the lives and safety of everyone there: residents, visitors and other staff. That is why I am introducing legislation to make people aware of any information regarding an employee that involves arrest or prosecution for any of the following offenses:
  • Criminal Homicide.
  • Aggravated Assault.
  • Any Sexual Offense.
  • Any violation of The Controlled Substances, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act.
This information would be available on the Department of Human Services Website and available to the public. When weighing which residence to choose, it is extremely important to know about an employee’s past criminal history, particularly those with a past with a criminal history involving violence or drug diversion.

As more and more Pennsylvanians continue to age, homes like this become a more and more attractive and likely option for them. They have the security of knowing a nurse or aide is right around the corner, while being able to cook the foods that they like and go shopping when they want to. It is important for Pennsylvanians not only to be safe in their residential care home or assisted living community, but it is also important that they feel safe. This is one of the tools that we can use to ensure that they feel that way.

On behalf of the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on us to craft legislation to ensure their health and safety, I ask for you to join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.




Introduced as HB779