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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 11, 2022 10:20 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Robert F. Matzie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | “Megan’s Law” for Nursing Homes |
| There is a hidden danger in our state’s nursing homes. Registered sexual offenders are admitted as residents, but staff and other residents are not told. In some instances, this has resulted in attacks on residents that may have been preventable. Staff, residents, and their families deserve that information and to be protected. Soon, I will introduce legislation (based on current Ohio law) to require all nursing homes in Pennsylvania to check the sex offender registry before admitting a new resident, develop a plan of care to ensure staff and other residents’ safety, and notify staff and other residents or their family members about the care plan for that offender. The facilities will also report this information to the PA Department of Health, to create and maintain a statewide registry - a Megan’s Law for nursing homes if you will. Registered sexual offenders will age. They will need care. The vast majority will not commit another offence. This legislation will not, in any way, ban or bar them from getting the care they will need. It will simply afford the staff and residents of our nursing homes the same right to information and protection that all Pennsylvanian’s currently possess. We speak often of protecting our vulnerable citizens. Other states have acted. Here is our opportunity. I hope you’ll join me. You can click or cut and paste the link below for more background information on this issue. https://triblive.com/local/regional/hidden-danger-registered-sex-offenders-often-go-undetected-in-care-homes/ |
Introduced as HB2341