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Rep. Jim Hackworth - House District 33
IMMEDIATE RELEASE June
2, 2010
New Order Of Protection Law
Provides Family Members
A Way To Protect Seniors
NASHVILLE (June 2)
– When senior citizens are no longer able to handle their everyday
needs, countless Tennessee families face the difficult task of caring
for elderly or disabled family members themselves or turning to outside
help for daily living and medical assistance for their loved ones.
We all hope those who provide any type of support for our elderly are
trustworthy and will treat our family members with honor and respect.
We want to give our senior citizens the very best care available.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
The elderly are often
among the most vulnerable in our communities. Family members must
have the ability to act quickly when they find their loved ones in a
dangerous situation of abuse or neglect. That is why I felt it so
important to sponsor HB2778/SB2832 which will give relatives the power
to seek legal protection for senior and disabled adults from their
abusers. This bill makes it possible for families to obtain
restraining orders against anyone who abuses or neglects senior
citizens. Families will have an important tool to keep their loved
ones out of harm’s way. Individuals who have been accused of
neglect and abuse would no longer be allowed to contact the alleged
abused/neglected adult. Consequently, the person upon whom a court
order has been filed could be arrested for violating the order of
protection.
HB2778/SB2832, sponsored
by Representative Hackworth and Senator Berke was signed into law
by Governor Bredesen on 5/10/2010. This bill became law
effective immediately upon signature of the Governor.
Sadly, elder abuse and
neglect have become all too common. Families will now have an
easier way to protect our valuable senior citizens.
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