GA Senate Passes Albers' Bill to Protect Senior Citizens, Individuals with Special Needs

Sen. John Albers (R –Roswell) is happy about the passage of Senate Bill 207 last week, which allows private home care providers to obtain first offenders information on potential job applicants.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 47 to 4. It is now headed to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

"I am pleased by the Senate’s favorable consideration of Senate Bill 207 in the Senate today," said Albers, who sponsored the bill. "The passage of this legislation is an important safeguard against abuse in the private home care setting and seeks to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens."

According to a recent press release, under the Georgia First Offender Act, individuals are allowed to opt-out of reporting a felony if they successfully complete the terms of their sentence. However, offenses such as child molestation, incest, sexual battery, abuse, or exploitation will immediately disqualify individuals from employment with institutions such as schools, child care facilities and nursing homes. Senate Bill 207 would add private home care providers to the list.

The "vote is a great step in the right direction, although there is still more to do," said Lueder, Atlanta Advocacy Chair of the National Aging in Place Council, who once caught an abusive caregiver. "Thanks to Senator Albers and all of the other Senators who co-sponsored the bill, we are one step closer to creating a safer home care environment for all Georgians."

Private home care providers serve many functions, including providing nursing services, personal care tasks, meal preparation and companion or sitter tasks for individuals who are elderly, handicapped, or convalesced.