Kelly and Sinema Introduce Bill to Prevent Abuse and Neglect in Residential Care Facilities

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) have introduced the Preventing Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Americans Act, with the intent of improving care standards and increasing protections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) residing in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs/IIDs).

The legislation calls for enhanced transparency and accountability within these facilities, including publicly accessible reports on care quality and any incidents of non-compliance that may endanger residents. It also strengthens background checks for facility employees by allowing ICFs/IIDs to utilize the National Practitioner Data Bank. Additionally, an Advisory Council will be established to provide recommendations on improving care and preventing abuse within these facilities. Similar legislation was introduced last Congress, and ANCOR has continued to be an endorsing organization since the bills original inception.