Oct. 26, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Gary W. Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), majority chairman of the House Aging and Older Adults Services Committee, conducted a public hearing today reviewing the guardianship system in place for older adults and included an overview of
House Bills 1356,
1890 and
1928.
“As majority chairman, I brought this committee together to have a discussion about legislation we will be bringing forth to benefit older adults across the Commonwealth,” said Day. “Among the legislative proposals we discussed was increasing the reimbursement rate for court appointed guardians; requiring guardians and prospective guardians to submit criminal history background checks; and the requirement of the appointment of counsel to be mandatory in adult guardianship cases.
“Unfortunately, when a court finds an individual unable to take care of themself, they deem it necessary to appoint a guardian. It is our responsibility as legislators to make sure that those Pennsylvanians who are put into such situations are protected and taken care of properly. Since becoming chairman of this committee, guardianship issues have held my interest and I am eager to work alongside my House and Senate colleagues, including stakeholders who were willing to testify before the committee to create a better environment for both guardians and those who require guardianship,” noted Day.
House Bill 1356, introduced by Day, would amend the Human Services Code to increase the reimbursement rate under the medical assistance program for guardians of older adults to $300 per month, subject to federal approval in the Department of Human Services state plan.
House Bill 1890, introduced by Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks/Lancaster), would require background checks for prospective guardians and will prohibit convicted felons from serving as guardians.
House Bill 1928, introduced by Day would require appointment of counsel for any individual alleged to be incapacitated.
The full public hearing can be viewed here.
Representative Gary Day
187th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Matthew Deegan
717.260.6328
mdeegan@pahousegop.com
RepGaryDay.com /
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Rep. Gary W. Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), majority chairman of the House Aging and Older Adults Services Committee, conducted a public hearing today reviewing the guardianship system in place for older adults.