Amends TCA Title 39; Title 71 and Chapter 961 of the Public Acts of 2014.

This bill creates the elder abuse task force, with the following members:<br /> <br /> (1) One member of the senate appointed by the speaker of the senate;<br /> (2) One member of the house appointed by the speaker of the house;<br /> (3) The executive director of the Tennessee commission on aging and disability or the director's designee;<br /> (4) The commissioner of human services, or the commissioner's designee with knowledge of the responsibilities of the adult protective service program;<br /> (5) The commissioner of health or the commissioner's designee;<br /> (6) The commissioner of financial institutions or the commissioner's designee;<br /> (7) The commissioner of commerce and insurance or the commissioner's designee;<br /> (8) A district attorney general selected by the district attorneys general conference;<br /> (9) The director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation or the director's designee;<br /> (10) A representative of the Tennessee Bankers Association;<br /> (11) A representative of the Tennessee Credit Union League; and<br /> (12) A representative of the Tennessee Health Care Association.<br /> <br /> This bill requires the task force to assess the current status of elders and other vulnerable adults covered by the Tennessee Adult Protection Act related to financial exploitation; examine the existing barriers, services, and resources addressing the needs of these elder persons and vulnerable adults; and develop recommendations to address problems associated with the financial exploitation of these elder persons and vulnerable adults. This bill further requires the task force to include an examination of the following in its assessment and recommendations: a determination of the economic and human impact of financial exploitation of elder persons and vulnerable adults in this state; a review of the remedies to reduce the number of individuals suffering such abuse; possible legislative remedies; and needed state policies or responses, including directions for the provision of clear and coordinated services and support to protect and assist such persons.<br /> <br /> Members of the task force will serve without compensation or reimbursement for any expenses incurred while participating in the business of the task force. The commission on aging and disability will provide necessary administrative support for the task force. The task force will hold public meetings and utilize technological means, such as webcasts, to gather feedback on the recommendations from the general public and from persons and families affected by poverty.<br /> <br /> This bill requires the task force to submit its findings and recommendations to the governor and the general assembly in the form of a state plan to combat the abuse of elder persons and other vulnerable adults no later than January 15, 2021, at which time the task force will terminate.<br /> <br /> ON MARCH 14, 2019, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 249, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 removes the provisions for one senate member and one house member serving on the task force.<br /> <br />