12-03-2025
Rep. Pugh co-sponsors bill to prevent abuse of older Pennsylvanians
Mar. 11—WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Brenda Pugh on Tuesday said older adults in need of care should not have to fear for their safety.
"But sadly, there are bad actors that seek to harm them with physical and emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect or abandonment," said Pugh, R-Dallas Township. "To me, this is a commonsense approach to help our front-line caregivers identify the signs of elder abuse and simultaneously protect the vulnerable citizens in their care."
Pugh announced on Tuesday that she is will co-sponsor a bill that will help educate nurses in identifying the signs of elder abuse for the individuals in their care.
If signed into law, Pugh said this legislation would require one hour of the currently mandated 30 hours of board-approved continuing education for nursing license renewal to focus on recognizing the signs of and reporting older adult abuse.
Pugh said House Bill 588 has broad bipartisan support and was referred to the Professional Licensure Committee for consideration.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
