By Bob Katzen

Establishes a 17-member commission on malnutrition prevention among older adults. The commission will investigate and study the effects of malnutrition on older adults and the most effective strategies for reducing it. It will also provide a report to the Legislature by December 31, 2017. 

  Supporters say that incidents of malnutrition among seniors are increasing in the Bay State. They argue that it is a serious problem that can lead to illness and even death.

   “Elder malnutrition is often diagnosed as a secondary condition when an older person is admitted to the hospital for an acute illness and is frequently cited as the primary reason for readmission to a hospital after treatment,” said bill’s sponsor Sen. Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster). “This commission seeks to find out how to reach elders out there who may be suffering from food insecurity and malnutrition and I hope that the recommendations will result in better health outcomes for our elder population.”