By Bob Katzen

Bill (S 426) – Would offer protection to persons who make good faith reports of an allegation of patient or resident abuse, mistreatment or neglect in a senior assisted living facility. The measure allows employees of the facilities who are fired after reporting credible allegations of abuse to file a cause of action for relief in court and potentially have their employment reinstated if the court sees fit.

Another provision imposes a minimum $3,000 fine on employees who fail to report a case of abuse.

“Our seniors in assisted living facilities deserve protections to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This legislation will provide more security to those in a position to report abuse and allow our system to better hold people accountable for their actions.