BIFOCAL Extended Archive

PDF copies of archive issues of BIFOCAL are available below. A listing of current issues is available here.

Back Issues

Articles are listed under volume issue, by title (author in parenthesis) and page number.

BIFOCAL 33(6) July August 2012
New ABA Policy's on Aging Issues 72
Probate Courts & Community Connections: One Professional's Career Path 74
Longevity of Elder Law 77
Risk Management Essentials for Village Leaders 79
New Members of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging 85
2012 National Aging and Law Institute Scholarships 88

BIFOCAL 33(5) May June 2012
ABA Commission on Law and Aging Wins Award for Universal Power of Attorney Guide 61
David English Appointed Chair of ABA Commission 63
Summer Law Clerks Welcomed 62
Anthony R. Palermo Receives Pickering Award 64
White House Highlights Financial Exploitation of Elders, Announces Elder Abuse Initiatives 65
Book Review: Divorce in the Golden Years 67
Do I Really Need a Will? 68
National Aging and Law Institute Registration, Scholarships Available 69
Elder Law Day Program Keeps Focus on Rights 71

BIFOCAL 33(4) April 2012
Obtaining Visitation with or Custody of Grandchildren (by Jeff Atkinson) 47
New Administration for Community Living 48
National Legal Resource Center User Survey 48
Protecting Assets for a Child with a Disability (by Bradley J. Frigon) 51
New Name for Commission on Disability Rights (by Amy Allbright) 53
Free Webinar and Resource for Creating a Welcoming Agency for LGBT Older Adults
OAA Reauthorization and the Legal Assistance Misconception (by Charles P. Sabatino) 54
Another Look at the Numbers: Legal Services and OAA Reauthorization (by David Godfrey) 60

BIFOCAL 33(3) February 2012
There’s No Place Like Home: The Vera Institute of Justice’s Guardianship Project (by Laura Negron, Esq., and Julia Kaminsky) 35
Charitable Giving and Medicaid Issues (by Hyman G. Darling) 40
Developments in Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems (by David Godfrey) 42
Dedicated Senior Helplines Reach More Seniors, Identify Trends in Legal Needs (by Jan Kruse and Odette Williamson) 43
Book Review: Checklist for Family Heirs (Review by Erica Wood) 45
Access your copy of the ABA Commission’s new, free booklet offering a simple durable power of attorney for health care, designed to meet the legal requirements in nearly all states (by Charles P. Sabatino) 46
CLE: Spousal and Domestic Partner Issues in Pension and Retirement Income (April 12) 47

BIFOCAL 33(2) December 2011
Speak Up This Season! 23
Commission on Law and Aging Wins “Most Innovative Presentation” for CLE Webinar 23
First National Aging and Law Institute Draws 350 Advocates (by David Godfrey) 24
Pro Bono Summit Generates Ideas and Commitment (by David Godfrey) 26
Helpline Report Reveals Data, Shares Stories of Elderly Who Have Been Helped (by Shoshanna Erlich) 27
Third National Guardianship Adopts Standards and Offers Recommendations (by Erica Wood) 29
Medicare’s Hospice Benefit for Beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s Disease Explained (by Leslie Fried) 31
Book Reviews A Bitter Pill: How the Medical Care System Is Failing the Elderly (Review by David Godfrey); and Turn of Mind (Review by Lori Stiegel) 30
Giving Someone a Power of Attorney for Your Health Care: A Guide and Easy-to-Use Legal Form for ALL Adults 34

BIFOCAL 33(1) October 2011
Protecting Vulnerable Adults Living in Congregate Settings from Financial Abuse (by Iris C. Freeman) 1
New “Bare Bones” Health Care Power of Attorney Is Valid in All but Five States (by Charles P. Sabatino) 1
Handbook for Courts Boosts Guardianship Oversight  (Erica Wood) 2
Commission Welcomes Distinguished New Members 3
Court’s Elder Abuse Initiatives Benefit Victims, Courts, and Professionals (by Lori Stiegel) 9
How to Work with a Geriatric Social Worker (by Leland Kiang) 10
Twelve Awarded Scholarships to National Aging & Law Institute (by David Godfrey) 13
Local Coverage Determinations for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: An Examination of Policy Changes Since 2001 (by Mollie Gurian) 14

BIFOCAL 32(6) August 2011
Summit to Develop Standards for Guardianship Performance, Decision-making 75
What Happens to Hotline Clients After the Call? (by Shoshanna Erlich) 75
Take the Survey of Aging Service Professionals 76
Five Key Legal Issues of Older LGBT Adults (by David Godfrey) 77
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness (Review by Charles P. Sabatino)
NYSBA Publishes Journal Devoted to Planning for the Elder Years (by Jamie Philpotts) 83
Call for Nominations for Elder Rights Advocacy Hall of Fame
What Is Systemic Impact Advocacy? (by David Godfrey) 87
CLE: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Elder Abuse (Webinar) 88

BIFOCAL 32(5) June 2011
Call to Join the Elder Justice Act Postcard Campaign 63
Commission on Law and Aging Awarded Grant 64
Commission on Law and Aging Welcomes Summer Interns 65
Report Analyzes Barriers, Identifies Ways to Improve Outreach to Seniors 65
States Report Success with Physician Orders to Honor Patient’s Treatment Wishes 66
Vote for the Best Legal Novel of the Year 67
Join Us at the ABA Annual Meeting 67
National Aging and Law Institute 68 
Upcoming Webinar: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Elder Abuse 69
Understanding Ethical Issues in Elder Law 70
Book Review: Jan’s Story—Love Lost to the Long Goodbye of Alzheimer’s (Review by David Godfrey) 71
Communities Advancing—Slowly—to Meet the Needs of an Aging Population (by Mollie Gurian) 72
Wyoming Joins States with Emeritus Pro Bono Rule (By David Godfrey) 73
Complimentary CLE on Representing Veterans 74

BIFOCAL (32)4 April 2011 
Special Elder Abuse Issue
Jilenne Gunther Details Costs of Financial Exploitation of Elderly (interview by Lori A. Stiegel) 41
Power of Celebrity at the Senate Special Committee on Aging Hearing; EJA Update; New Bills Introduced (by Lori A. Stiegel) 43
Commission to Develop Pocket Guide on Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse (by Lori A. Stiegel) 43
Research Demonstrates Effectiveness of Wisconsin’s New Individual-at-Risk Restraining Order 45
The Cost of Financial Exploitation (by Jilenne Gunther) 46
Nation’s First Elder Abuse Forensic Center Wins U.S. Attorney General’s Award 57
New Resource: Planning for Future Health Care Decisions . . . Your Way (by Charles Sabatino) 58
Florida College of Medicine-Law Center Adapts ABA Commission’s Health Proxy Guide 59
Book Review: ERISA and Employee Benefits Law (by David Godfrey) 60
Continuing Legal Education: Sign up Now for Ethical Issues in Elder Law Webinar (June 28) and  Download Complimentary Webinars on Representing Veterans 62
Plus: National Aging and Law Institute to Be Held Nov. 10-12, 2011, in Boston (42); and How Do Consumer’s Find a Lawyer? (42)

BIFOCAL (32)3 February 2011
American Bar Association Launches redesigned Web Site 29
National Healthcare Decisions Day Is Around the Corner 30
Medicare Matters: New Benefit Provides Beneficiaries with Annual Wellness Visit (by Leslie Fried) 31
Elder Rage or Take My Father . . . Please (book review by David Godfrey) 33
Call for Participation in Elder Law Study
Announcement of 2011 - 2012 Borchard Fellowship in Law and Aging 34
Complimentary CLE Webinars on Representing Veterans 35
How to Give a Better Workshop Presentation (by David Godfrey) 36
Florida Adapts Making Medical Decisions forSomeone Else Guide (by Erica Wood)

BIFOCAL 32(2) December 2010
What Is Quality in Elder Care Mediation and Why Should Elder Law Advocates Care? (by Ellie Crosby Lanier) 15
Why a Client’s Status As a Veteran Should Be an Important Component of Your Planning (by Felicia Pasculli) 21
CLE Webinar : A Closer Look at the Veterans Administration Schedule for Rating Disabilities 21
Military Service and the Law (CLE DVD/book review by David Godfrey) 23
Start Planning Now for Law Day 2011!
Updated Resources on the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (by Erica Wood) 25
Highlights of 9 ^th Annual National Aging and Law Conference (by Jamie Philpotts) 26
CLE Webinar : What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Medicare in 2011
--Tues., Jan. 18, 2011
--1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST (12:00 p.m. Central; 11:00 a.m. Mountain; and 10:00 a.m. Pacific)
--Register Today! Online at: http://www.abanet.org/cle/programs/t11enk1.html
-- Special Discount Rate of $75 for Legal Aid and Gov’t Lawyers!

BIFOCAL 32(1) October 2010

ABA Commission to Develop Pocket Guide on Legal Issues Related to Elder Abuse (by Lori Stiegel) 1
In Search of Adequate Funding for Legal Assistance for Low-income Seniors (by David Godfrey) 1
ABA Commission Welcomes Distinguished New Members 3
Report Shows Women Affected Most by Alzheimer’s Disease (by Jamie Philpotts) 5
GAO Report on Guardianship Underscores Need for Standards, Training, and Monitoring 7
ABA Commission Offers Legal Externship Opportunities for Winter/Spring 13
Free CLE Webinar on Representing Veterans: Establishing Service Connection on Disability Claims 7

Register Now for the National Aging and Law Conference: www.aarp.org/nalc

BIFOCAL 31(6) August 2010
ABA Commission Project to Help States Establish POLST Programs to Honor Patients' Wishes for Advanced Illness Care (by Jamie Philpotts) 115
Borchard Foundation Invites Applicants for Academic Research Grant Program 116
Adapt Making Medical Decisions for Someone Else for Your State 117
ABA Family Law Section Committee Keeps Focus on Vulnerable Adults and Special Needs Families (by Paula Kirby)
Summary of Health Care Decision Statutes Enacted in 2010 (by Martina Mills and Charles P. Sabatino) 120 
Links to State-Specific Advance Directive Forms (by Amy Gioletti) 127
CLE: Three (Free) Webinars on Advanced Topics in Representing Veterans with Veterans' Benefits Claims (124) and What Every Attorney Representing Elderly Clients Needs to Know (126)
Recommended Reading: Residence Options for Older and Disabled Clients (review by David Godfrey) and the Home Visitor Manual: An Advocates Guide for Helping Homebound Elderly (review by Jamie Philpotts) 125
Web Site Helps Consumers Choose Best Health Insurance Options (by Leslie Fried) 130
AoA Awards Grants for Model Approaches Statewide Assistance Systems and Pension Rights Projects (by Shoshanna Ehrlich) 131
Register Now for the National Aging and Law Conference: www.aarp.org/nalc

BIFOCAL 31(5) June 2010
Guardianship in Israeli Law—Need for Revisions (b y Carmit Shay) 101
Virginia Elder Rights Coalition Renames Award in Honor of Erica F. Wood (by Jamie Philpotts) 102
ABA Commission Welcomes Summer 2010 Interns 103
Employment Opportunity at the ABA Commission 103
Recommended Reading: Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence by Gail Sheehy (review by David Godfrey) 108 
List of Adult Guardianship Education and Training Videos, DVDs, and Movies (by Danielle Valdenaire) 109
New! Special ABA Dues Rates for Legal Aid Attorneys, Gov't Attorneys, Solo Practitioners, and More 111
Save the Date: National Aging and Law Conference—Dec. 9-11, 2010, Alexandria, Virginia 112

BIFOCAL 31(4) April 2010
A Decade of Partnerships in Law and Aging: A Retrospective of the Innovative Grant Program Aimed at Increasing Awareness and Access to Legal Services for Older Persons (by Jamie Philpotts) 71
Comments Sought on Proposal Requiring Banks to Protect from Garnishment Social Security and Other Federal Retirement Income (by David Godfrey) 71
Elder Justice Act Becomes Law, But Victory Is Only Partial (b y Lori A. Stiegel) 73
Partnerships Legacies Continue Helping Elders Today (by David Godfrey) 76
The Brooke Astor Case: “An Appalling Set Of Circumstances” (Part 3 of an Interview with Alex Forger conducted by Lori Stiegel) 83
Can the Development of Elder Law in the U.S. Work As a Model for the Israeli System? (by Carmit Shay) 93
Recommended Reading: Everyday Law for Seniors (review by Jamie Philpotts) (82) and Public Guardianship: In the Best Interests of Incapacitated People? (84)

BIFOCAL 31(3) February 2010
Advocacy Victory for People with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Results in Expedited Benefits (by Leslie Fried) 51
Access Express/Resputos Rapidos Brings Knowledge of Legal Issues to Remote Elders and Lawyers Who Serve Them (by Janay Haas and Robert Mead) 53
More Help Is Needed for Persons with Cognitive and Other Brain Impairments Who Want to Vote (by Ellen Klem) 55
The Brooke Astor Case: “An Appalling Set of Circumstances” (Part 2 of an Interview with Alex Forger) (by Lori Stiegel) 60
Borchard Center on Law and Aging Announces Fellowship 64
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Is Awarded Grant to Establish 67
New Article Appraises of Elder Law Education 69
Commission Welcomes Law Intern from Israel  59 

BIFOCAL 31(2) December 2009
In Memory of F. William McCalpin, chair of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging (1996 - 2002)
State Advance Directive Registries: A Survey and Assessment (by Allison Hughes)
Delaware State Bar Honors Members Who Served, Launches Pro Bono Program to Assist Veterans (by David Godfrey) To Help Veterans with Claims, Lawyers Must Be Accredited: Learn How (by David Godfrey)
The Brooke Astor Case: “An Appalling Set of Circumstances” (Part 1 of an Interview by Lori Stiegel with Alex Forger)
Join the National Health Care Decisions Day Initiative April 16!
New Resource! Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill Helps People Understand Financial and Legal Options at the End of Life
Short Attention-span Theater: Training Tips for Webinar Presenters (by David Godfrey)
ABA Commission Welcomes International Law Intern
Communicating with Lawyers (by David Godfrey)
Harvard School of Medicine Publishes Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will
AOA and National Legal Resource Center Partners Launch Web Site (by Omar Valverde)
New Resource! Comprehensive Chart Features Links to State-specific Advance Directive Forms (by Danielle Valdenaire) Advance Care Planning in Health Reform (Formerly Misrepresented As “Death Panels”) (by Charlie Sabatino)

BIFOCAL 31(1) October 2009
New Doughnut Hole Calculator Steers Part D Enrollees to Less Expensive Medications (by Sally Hurme, J.D., and Jane Lincoln, MSW) 1
Failing to Report and False Reporting of Elder Abuse: Penalties Under State Adult Protective Services Laws (by Laura Remick) 1
Tips for Providing Services on American Indian Reservations: An Individual Approach Works Best (by Alex Ward) 17
Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and the SSDI Process: "Passage of Time is Not Your Friend" (by Leslie Fried, J.D.) 20
Administration on Aging Awards $1.1 Million to States to Help Older Americans Access Legal Services 14
Pennsylvania SeniorLAW HelpLine Expands Reach Through Electronic Newsletter (by Sue Wasserkrug, J.D.) 15
ABA Commission on Law and Aging Welcomes Six Distinguished New Members, Liaison 3
Coverage of Brooke Astor Case Draws Ink, Ire of ABA Commission Senior Attorney 9
Important Notice on Social Security Class Action 11
ABA Commission Updates Chart on States’ Emeritus Pro Bono Practice Rules 11
Book Review: Nasty, Brutish & Long: Adventures in Old Age and the World of Eldercare 14
ABA Commission Announces Summer 2010 Law and Aging Legal Internship Opportunities 16
New Presentation Template: Why States Should Enact the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA) 22

BIFOCAL 30(6) July 2009
A Letter from the President of the American Bar Association H. Thomas Wells Jr. 85
A Letter from the Chair of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging Joe O’Connor 83
Reflections on the Origins of the Commission on Law and Aging (by Daniel L. Skoler) 83
Remembrances of ABA Commission Members on the Cutting Edge (by Nancy Coleman and Erica Wood) 91
A Peek into the Future of Elder Law: 2009 - 2039? (by Charles P. Sabatino) 105
List of Distinguished Members of the ABA Commission on Law and Aging 110
A Quiz on Elder Law and Policy 111
New Resources on Elder Abuse and Guardianship, and a CLE Podcast Series for Elder Law Attorneys 112
Then and Now (1979-2009) Charts on:
o Medicare Part B 86
o Elder Law 88
o Health Care Decision-making 90
o Private Pay Rates for Nursing Home Stays 98
o Guardianship 102
o Supplemental Security Income 107

BIFOCAL 30(5) June 2009
Uniform Guardianship Jurisdiction: Where Do We Stand? (by Erica Wood) 69
Making Medical Decisions for Someone Else (new consumer resource) 70
Training the Gatekeeper (by David Godfrey) 71
ABA Commission Welcomes Summer Interns 73
ABA Commission Joins National Legal Resource Center 74
Aid and Attendance Program Helps Veterans with Long-Term Care Costs (by Lindsay Knowles) 75
SAGE Helps Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender Older People Find Answers, Connect with Experts Online (David Rubio) 76
How to Provide More Effective Outreach to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Seniors (by Keith L. Morris) 77
Litigating the Nursing Home Case (book review by David Godfrey) 81
Complimentary CLE via podcasts from National Aging and Law Conference 79
Plus: Join Us in Celebrating the ABA Commission’s 30th Year! 72

BIFOCAL 30(4) April 2009
Most Retiree Social Security Beneficiaries to Receive Payment (by David Godfrey) 55
North Dakota Adopts Emeritus Pro Bono Practice Rule 55
CLE Podcasts from 2008 National Aging and Law Conference Now Available! 58
Financial Fraud Likely to Increase in 2009 (by David Godfrey) 59
Help Is on the Way: Senior Legal Hotlines Respond to Elder Abuse (by Eleanor Crosby Lanier) 60
State Elder Bar Round-up: Washington, New York, and New Mexico 62
Webinar —Reading Between the Lines: Basic Financial Issue Spotting (April 15) 64
Call for Nominations for National Family Caregiving Awards 65
Join the National Healthcare Decisions Day Initiative on April 16! 66
Borchard Foundation Center on Law & Aging Invites Applications for Fellowships 67

BIFOCAL 30(3) February 2009
Nine Ways to Reduce Elder Abuse Through Enactment of the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (Lori A. Stiegel and Erica F. Wood) 35
ABA Commission Awards Funding for Veterans Advocacy Pro Bono Projects (David Godfrey) 36
ABA Adopts Policy Recommendations on Guardianship, Nursing Home Arbitration (Jamie Philpotts) 41
National Health Care Decisions Day Is April 16 (Why Not Plan a Health Care Decisions Day for Your Elder Law Section’s or Committee’s Law Day Activity?) 46
AoA Recognizes Legal Assistance Programs for Helping Seniors Keep Their Homes (Omar Valverde) 42
Using the Fair Housing Act to Defend Against Discriminatory Discharges, Transfers in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care Facilities (Holly Robinson) 44
State CCRC Laws: Addressing Discrimination on the Basis of Disability (Rachel Ney) 47
Borchard Foundation Invites Applications for 2009-10 Fellowships 54

BIFOCAL 30(2) December 2008

David M. Godfrey Joins Staff of ABA Commission on Law and Aging 21
Law and Aging Advocates Convene at NALC, Set New Advocacy Agendas (Jamie Philpotts) 19
New Research Report: Protecting Against Power of Attorney Abuse 19
ABA Commission Seeking Multi-State Guardianship Cases ABA (Erica Wood) 20
Commission, Borchard Foundation Suspend Partnerships in Law and Aging Program for 2009 (Charlie Sabatino) 24
ABA Promotes Access to Voting for Persons with Cognitive and Other Brain Impairments (Ellen Klem) 26
Legislative Analysis: Emergency Guardianship Statutes Since Grant v. Johnson (Angela Gandy) 28
Free Bulk Orders! Spanish Health and Financial Decisions Brochure and Video 34

BIFOCAL 30(1) October 2008

ABA Commission Launches Educational Campaign on Multi-State Guardianship Cases, Calls for Stories (Erica Wood) 1
Two New Durable Power of Attorney Abuse Fact Sheets (Lori Stiegel) 2
Honoring Final Wishes: ABA Commission Chair O’Connor Testifies at Senate Hearing on Advance Directives (Jamie Philpotts) 3
ABA Commission Awarded AoA National Legal Resource Center Grant (Jamie Philpotts) 5
New Commissioners for 2008-09
LOTSA Training Tips for Reaching Rural and Under-Resourced Legal Services Providers (Vivian Chen) 7
Guardianship and Surrogate Decision-making in France: Additional Flexibility and Protections (Audrey Mercat) 9
Funding Opportunities: Veterans Advocacy Pro Bono Project and Emeritus Attorney Indigent Guardianship Project (Holly Robinson) 14 Poem: Boxes of Grief (Sarah Shena) 18

BIFOCAL 29(6) August 2008

Senior Homeowners Benefit from New Housing Bill (Holly Robinson) 65
New and Updated Resources on Elder Abuse (Ellen VanCleave Klem) 66
ABA Commission Assessed As “Highly Valued and Effective National Legal Resource 67
Accommodating Cognitive Impairments in Voting: Shaping Clinically and Ethically Sound Instituinal and Public Policy (Ellen VanCleave Klem, Lori Stiegel, and Charles P. Sabatino) 68
Still Here: Barriers to Voting Facing Residents of Nursing Homes and Long-term Care Facilities (Carolyn Mounce) 69
ABA Commission Initiates Two Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Projects (Holly Robinson) 72
New Illinois Supreme Court Rule permits Retired, Inactive and Corporate Attorneys to Perform Pro Bono Work (Dina R. Merrell) 73
Nevada Adopts Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Rules 73
ABA Commission Anounces 2008 Coleman Summer Intern and Borchard Foundation Summer Intern 74
Urban Outfitters in Nursing Homes (Gene Coffey) 77
Partnerships in Law and Aging 2008 Program Awardees (Holly Robinson) 81

BIFOCAL 29(5) June 2008

Ethical Issues to Consider When Providing Legal Services to Older Clients (Webinar) 51
Charts on Mandatory (and Voluntary) Reporting to Adult Protective Services (Lori Stiegel) 52
Health Decisions Legislative Updates (Erica Wood) 52
Survey Tool Aims to Improve Communication Between Aging and Disability Partners (Sarah Lash) 53
In Celebration of Law Day, Virginia Launches Project 2025 Web Site (Jamie Philpotts) 53
Complimentary CLE Programs from 2007 NALC Conference (Holly Robinson) 54
New Index More Accurately Reflects Costs Faced by Older Adults (Jamie Philpotts) 54
Voting by Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments (Jason Karlawish, M.D.) 55
Moving Quickly (Poem) (Ron Talney) 58
31 Things Bioethics Committee Participation Has Taught Us About Practicing Elder Law (Edward W. Long) 59
Awards Honor Older Volunteers, Promote Volunteering (Jamie Philpotts) 61
Using Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Programs to Meet Unmet Civil Legal Needs (Holly Robinson) 62

BIFOCAL 29(4) March 2008

Using Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Programs to Meet Unmet Civil Legal Needs (Holly Robinson) 45
National Healthcare Decisions Day Set for April 16, 2008 45
Facilitating Voting As People Age Issue of McGeorge Law Review (Charlie Sabatino) 49
Do Not Go Gently: The Power of Imagination in Aging (Film Review) (Ellen M. Klem) 49
Web Sites Offer Help to Seniors Applying for Economic Stimulus Plan Payments (Holly Robinson) 50

BIFOCAL 29(3) February 2008

Team Approach to Guardianship Preserves Independence of Ward, Generates Savings for State (Jean Callahan and Andrea Snelson) 35
Legal Services Program Tackles Senior Debt (Dolores Schaefer) 39
Economic Stimulus Bill Includes Disregard of Refund As Income or Resources (Holly Robinson) 40
Public Guardianship After 25 Years: In the Best Interest of Incapacitated People? (Pamela B. Teaster, Erica F. Wood, Winsor C. Schmidt, Jr., and Susan A. Lawrence) 41
Kentucky Assesses Legal Needs of Seniors 42

BIFOCAL 29(2) December 2007

A Patient’s Right to Direct Own Health Care vs. a Physician’s Right to Decline to Provide Treatment (Monica Sethi) 21
NCCUSL Tackles Transfer on Death Deed Legislation (Ellen M. Klem) 23
Volunteer Guardianship Monitoring Programs: A Win-Win Solution (Ellen M. Klem) 25
ABA Commission, AARP Release Report on Promising Practices for Court Guardianship Monitoring Programs (Naomi Karp) 26
Dancing with Rose: Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer’s (Book Review) (Holly Robinson) 26
South Dakota Adopts Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Rule (Holly Robinson) 29
Tips for Making Your Printed Health Materials Senior-Friendly (Jamie Philpotts) 29

BIFOCAL 29(1) November 2007

Survey of Assisted Living Facility Laws’ Incorporation of Provisions of the Fair Housing Act (Matthew Bernt) 1
Alaska, Mississippi Adopt Emeritus Pro Bono Attorney Rules (Holly Robinson) 1
ABA Sponsors Mock Social Security Disability Hearing at the U.S. Capitol 2
New Commissioners for 2007 (Jamie Philpotts) 3
Checklist for Creating an Emeritus Pro Bono Program (Holly Robinson) 5
Nature Walk (Poem) (Jared Wilson and Victoria Babish) 7
Deanna Clingan Fisher Wins NALC Award 19
ABA Shows Solidarity with Pakistani Lawyers 20

BIFOCAL 28(6) August 2007

Developing Ethical Standards for Elder Mediation (Kathryn Mariani) 85
ABA Adopts Voting Rights and Cognitive Impairment Policy (Jamie Philpotts) 91)
ABA Commission Welcomes Law Student from France (Jamie Philpotts) 92
Creative Ways to Include and Nurture Volunteer Attorneys in Your Elder Law Practice (Ellie Crosby Lanier) 93
Three More States Pass Emeritus Pro Bono Attorney Rules, Bills (Holly Robinson) 95
Changes Urged to Guard Against Representative Payee Abuse of Social Security Benefits (Jamie Philpotts) 97
Elder Abuse Detection and Intervention: A Collaborative Approach (Book Review) (Robert Mead) 99
Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for End of Life in Assisted Living, Nursing Homes (Jamie Philpotts) 101

BIFOCAL 28(5) June 2007

New Hampshire and North Dakota Offer Practical Tips to Help States Adapt Health Care Proxy Handbook (Jamie Philpotts) 71
Briefing on First Nat’l Symposium on Ethical Standards for Elder Mediation (Kathryn Mariani) 75
2007 Partnerships in Law and Aging Program Awards (Holly Robinson) 76
N.C. Bill Would Allow Inactive Attorneys to Lend a Hand to Legal Services Groups (Michael Dayton) 77
In Remembrance of Joan O’Sullivan 79
Attributes of a Good Hotline Advocate (Shoshanna Ehrlich and Cheryl Nolan) 81
He’s a Poet? (Poem) (Paul Homer) 80

BIFOCAL 28(4) April 2007

Survey of States’ Health Care Decision-Making Standards (Abigail Petersen) 53
Protections in Medicaid Estate Recovery: Findings, Promising Practices, and Model Notices (Erica Wood and Ellen VanCleave Klem) 53
Facilitating Voting As People Age: Implications of Cognitive Impairment (Charlie Sabatino) 55
Pro Bono—A Win-Win Endeavor (Lynne Lloyd) 56
State Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Rules Gain Momentum (Holly Robinson) 57
Steal This Book! Adapt the Health Care Proxy Guide for Your State—We’ll Help! (Charlie Sabatino) 58
The Fabric of Life (Poem) (Greg Chaimov) 59

BIFOCAL 28(3) February 2007

North Carolina Tries Mediation for Estate and Guardianship Disputes (Kate Mewhinney) 35
Emeritus Attorneys Pro Bono Participation Programs (Holly Robinson) 35
Guardianship of Adults: Achieving Justice, Autonomy, and Safety (Book Review) (Mary Joy Quinn) 42
Practical Presentations for Elder Law Day (Jamie Philpotts) 50
E-valuate the AIP (Lyrics) (Marc Crawford Leavitt) 52

BIFOCAL 28(2) December 2006

Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems (Holly Robinson) 19
The State of Veterans' Fiduciary Programs: What Is Needed to Protect Our Nation’s Incapacitated Veterans? (Nisha Thakker) 19
Profile of Nebraska State Bar’s Elder Law Section (Lynne Timmerman Fees) 22
Elder Law Clinic Replication Manual Available (Betsy Abramson) 22
Elder Abuse Detection and Intervention: A Collaborative Approach (Book Review) 24
The Eulogy (Poem) (Timothy J. Nolan) 28
Developing Legal Assistance Programs for Older Adults (Sally Crawford Ramm) 31

BIFOCAL 28(1) October 2006

Stopping the Eviction When Seniors Experience Housing Discrimination (Kerstin Arusha) 1
ABA President Calls for Second Season of Service After Retirement 1
ABA Commissioners for 2006 4
Ideals and High Heels: A Look at Wake Forest University’s Elder Law Clinic (Kate Mewhiney) 7
Interview with Kevin B. Rack, Chair, Virginia Bar Association’s Elder Law Section 11
ABA Legal Guide for Americans Over 50 (Book Review) (Ellen VanCleave Klem)14
Elder Abuse Detection and Intervention (Book Review) 14
Poems (Poem) (Sophie Memon) 15
Bring Elder Mediation to Your State (Kathryn Mariani) 17

BIFOCAL 27(6) August 2006

Legislative Interest in Transfer on Death Deeds Continues to Grow (Nathaniel Sterling) 75
National Survey of Guardianship Monitoring Practices Shows Courts Lack Verification of Appropriate Care (Naomi Karp and Erica Wood) 77
Wisconsin Passes Major Guardianship Reform (Betsy Ambramson) 80
Why We Work at Legal Aid (Poem) (Ellen Mendoza) 82
The Parallels Between Undue Influence, Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Assault (Book Review) 82
A Summer Internship at the Commission (Abigail Petersen) 83

BIFOCAL 27(5) June 2006

2006-07 Partnerships in Law and Aging Program Awards (Stephanie Eldelstein) 63
What Every Judge Needs to Know About Capacity Assessment in Guardianship Proceedings (Charles P. Sabatino) 63
New Guide Helps Adults Faced with Making Medical Decisions for Someone Else (Charles P. Sabatino) 65
Reports Describe Medicaid Eligibility, Managed Long-term Care for People with Dementia (Leslie Fried) 66
Reauthorization of Older Americans Act, White House Conference on Aging Final Report 66
When a Lawyer Dies (Peter Geraghty) 70s

BIFOCAL 27(4) April 2006

Exploring Medical Decision-making for Incapacitated and Unbefriended Older Persons in San Francisco (Amy Rassen) 51
Oklahoma AG's Legal Opinion Eliminates Restrictions on Refusals of Nutrition and Hydration (Charles P. Sabatino) 51
Two Guides to Help Md. Adults Acting As Health Care Proxy (Charles P. Sabatino) 53
Brochure to Help Attorneys Effectively Serve Their Pro Bono Clients
Practical Presentations for Elder Law Day (Jamie Philpotts) 54
Charles P. Sabatino Honored with Theresa Award 55
Nancy Coleman “Advocacy in Aging Lecture” Series Established 55

BIFOCAL 27(3) February 2006

Medicare Part D: A Crash Course for Practitioners (Webcast) 39
Fair Lending Outreach to Elders Project in Santa Clara County (Kerstin Arusha) 39
Top 10 Resolutions from White House Conference on Aging 44
Practical Presentations for Elder Law Day (Jamie Philpotts) 46
Free Tool to Help Beneficiaries Choose Medicare Rx Coverage (Leslie B. Fried) 47
2005 Annual Adult Guardianship State Legislative Update (Erica Wood) 48
Top 10 Resolutions from White House Conference on Aging 44

BIFOCAL 27(2) December 2005

Legal Trends in End-of-Life Health Care Decision-Making (Erin B. Furlong) 21
Marriage Rights Initiative for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Elders (Betsey Crimmins and Deborah Filler) 21
Report Urges Paradigm Shift in Approach to Dying (Jamie Philpotts) 25
Serving Elders of Diverse Lifestyles (Jamie Philpotts) 31
Resources: Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples 33
Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams: A Replication Manual (Lori Stiegel) 34
Multilingual Hotlines Help Non-English Speaking Elders with Medicare Part D Enrollment (Jamie Philpotts) 35

BIFOCAL 27(1) October 2005

Survey of State Guardianship Laws: Statutory Provisions for Clinical Evaluations (Michael Mayhew) 1
New Commissioners for 2005-06 (Jamie Philpotts) 3
In Memory of Richard B. Allen 6
Resident Rights in Assisted Living: Sources and Resources (Stephanie Edelstein) 7

BIFOCAL 26 (4) Summer 2005

A Replication Manual for Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams (Lori Stiegel) 34
Partnerships in Law and Aging Program Awards (Stephanie Eldelstein) 35
Mediating Disputes in Long-term Care (Janice Barrocas and Diane Persson) 36
Six More Mediation Projects (Erica Wood) 38
National Study of Public Guardianship (Erica Wood) 40

BIFOCAL 26 (3) Spring 2005

Promoting Pro Bono Service of Low-Income Elders Through Creative Linkages (Karen C. Buck) 25
Assessment of Older Adults with Diminished Capacity (New Book) (Charles P. Sabatino) 25
Director Nancy Coleman Leaves ABA Commission, Tribute (Esther F. Lardent) 27
Twenty-Five Years, and Counting, of Advocacy for Elders (Nancy Coleman) 29
State Elder Bar Updates (Jamie Philpotts) 31

BIFOCAL 26 (2) Winter 2005

Innovative Model Represents Future of Pro Bono Legal Services (Elaine Harrison) 17
Building Community Partnerships to Prevent Predatory Lending (Mary Twomey) 17
Partnerships in Law and Aging Offers Two Separate Funding Opportunities (Stephanie Eldelstein) 19
Mini-conference on Legal Services Recommends Increased Availability, Specialized Training 22
Assessment of Older Adults with Diminished Capacity (Book Preview) (Charles P. Sabatino) 24

BIFOCAL 26 (1) Fall 2004

Voting by Residents of Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: State Law Accommodations (Amy Smith and Charles P. Sabatino) 1
Guardianship and Voting Rights (Kyle Sammin and Sally Balch Hurme) 1
ABA Commission Welcomes Three Distinguished New Members (Jamie Philpotts) 3
Profile of the Alaska Bar Association (Kenneth Kirk) 10
Mini-Conference on Legal Services to Be Held in Preparation for 2005 White House Conference in Aging (Nancy Coleman) 16

BIFOCAL 25 (4) Summer 2004

State Bar Emeritus Rules Encourage Pro Bono (Stephanie Edelstein) 1
Government Girls of World War II: Then and Now (Jamie Philpotts) 1
ABA Report Addresses Liability Issues in Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Services (Sandra L. Hughes) 4
Medicare Fact Sheets Explain Prescription Drug Discount Card, Savings Programs (Leslie B. Fried) 4
Elder Law Section of the Alabama State Bar (Jo Alison Taylor) 5
Project Examines Theory of Cumulative Disadvantage Among “Government Girls” of 1940s (Pamela Teaster) 6
Senate Hearing Focuses on Guardian Monitoring and Accountability (Jamie Philpotts) 8

BIFOCAL 25 (3) Spring 2004

Wyoming Creates Statewide Emergency Guardianship Response (Janet E. Millard) 1
Developing a Consumer Handbook for Guardians of Nursing Home Residents (John J. Ford) 1
Hawaii’s Elder Law Section Celebrates Ten Years (Naomi Fujimoto) 3
Partnerships Program Awards Mini-Grants (Stephanie Edelstein) 8
Brochure Helps Family Members Understand the Relationship Between Lawyer and Elderly Client (Charles P. Sabatino) 9
N.C. Initiates Pro Bono Adoption Program (Lynne E. Berry) 10
Good Guardianship: Building Court and Agency Network Partnerships (Erica Wood) 11

BIFOCAL 25(2) Winter 2004

Advocacy in a Post-HIPAA World (Hilary Sohmer Dalin) 1
Caregiver Legal Assistance Network (M. Stacey Hawver) 1
Commission Studies State Public Guardianship Programs (Erica Wood) 3
Project to Examine Medicaid Estate Recovery Programs (Naomi Karp) 3
Our Failure to Care for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Behavioral Complications (Leslie B. Fried) 14

BIFOCAL 25(1) Fall 2004

Report Urges Laws and Practices to Address Problems of Elderly Patients (Naomi Karp) 1
Incapable of Making Health Care Decisions; De-Balkanizing State Advance Directive Law (Charles P. Sabatino) 1
New Commissioners for 2003-04 3
Brochure and Video Help Spanish Speaking Elders Understand Legal Tools for Health and Financial Decision-making 10, 12

BIFOCAL 24(4) Summer 2003

Legal Issues Related to Bank Reporting of Suspected Elder Financial Abuse (Sandra L. Hughes) 1
Health Care Decision-Making: A Guardian’s Authority (Sarah B. Richardson) 1
Commission Welcomes Summer Interns (Jamie Philpotts)11
Winners of the 2003 Law and Aging Student Essay Competition (Jamie Philpotts) 14
GrandDriver Program Steers Public Awareness to Aging’s Effects on Driving (Jamie Philpotts) 14
Maryland Elder Law Section Wines Best Project award (Janie Philpotts) 14
California Publishes Consumer Legal Guide for Seniors (Jamie Philpotts)15

BIFOCAL 24(3) Spring 2003

(Re)Training Native American Elders to Be Mediators (John Duffy and Ralph D. Hutchinson) 1
Reaching Out to Homebound Elderly (Carrie Wetzel) 3
2003-04 Partnerships in Law and Aging Program Grants Awarded (Stephanie Edelstein) 5
Elder Justice Act Reintroduced (Lori A. Stiegel) 1
Elder Abuse Fatality Review Team Demonstration Sites Selected (Lori A. Stiegel) 6
Senate Hearing Raises Awareness of Adult Guardianship Issues (Jamie Philpotts) 7
Long-Goodbye: The Deaths of Nancy Cruzan (Book Review) (Charles P. Sabatino) 7

BIFOCAL 24(2) Winter 2003

Reforming Durable Power of Attorney Statutes to Combat Financial Exploitation of the Elderly (Julia C. Calvo) 1
Interview with Natalie K. Thomas 1
The Impact of Electronic Benefits Transfer Programs on Elderly Benefits Recipients (Amy Marshall Mix) 3
Articles and Books from the ABA Commission on Law and Aging 11
Bifocal Readers Satisfaction Survey 14
Report on Dying in American Finds End of Life Care Lacking (Jamie Philpotts) 16

BIFOCAL 24(1) Fall 2002

Harlem Project Combines Legal, Psychiatric Services (Ray Brescia) 1
Senior Nutrition Program Adds Legal Issues to Menu for Latino Elders (Angie King) 1
New Commissioners for 2002-03 3
Shape the Debate for Seniors (Richard Ingham) 5
Bifocal Readers Satisfaction Survey Fall 2002 11

BIFOCAL 23(4) Summer 2002

Financial Abuse of the Elderly: Risk Factors, Screening Techniques, and Remedies (Lori A. Stiegel) 1
Profile of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar (Lauchlin Tench Waldoch) 5
Elder Law Experts Convene to Draft Recommendations on Guardianship,
Medicare, and Discuss Elder Rights (Erica F. Wood) 12
Recommendations for a Coordinated Care Benefit in the Traditional Medicare Program (Judith A. Stein) 13
Statewide Virginia Elder Rights Conference: Coming of Age (Erica F. Wood) 14

BIFOCAL 23(3) Spring 2002

Preserving Homeownership Among Low-income, Elderly Landlords (Mary M Connolly) 1
Commission Initiates Project on Health Care Decision-Making for the “Unbefriended” Elderly (Naomi Karp) 1
Profile of the Elder Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association (Barbara A. West) 3
ELVIS Citing: 2002 Partnerships in Law and Aging Program Grants Awarded (Stephanie Edelstein) 5
Theory Collides with Practice in Developing An Elder Mediation Project (Virginia Marcantel) 6
Lifelines: Living Longer, Growing Frail, Taking Heart (Book Review) (Naomi Karp) 11

BIFOCAL 23(2) Winter 2002

Alzheimer’s Disease and the Role of State Law (Jack Schwartz) 1
Partnering with Local Bar Improves Hotline Services to the Elderly (Ralph D. Hutchinson) 1
Profiles of Vermont’s Elder Law Committee (Brian Sawyer) 3
Needs of the Elderly Committee of the Utah State Bar (TantaLisa Clayton) 3
Recruiting Retired Lawyers for Senior Mediations (Laurie Hanson) 5
In Their Own Language and Community: Providing Legal Services for Latino Elders (Karen C. Buck) 6
Medicare Handbook (Book Review) (Daniel G. Fish) 9
Dictionary of Eldercare Terminology, Second Edition (Book Review) (Jamie Philpotts) 9
Aging and the Law: A Comparison Between French and American Law (Marie Mercat-Bruns) 10
Medicare Takes Steps to Eliminate Discrimination of Alzheimer’s Patients (Leslie B. Fried) 11

BIFOCAL 23(1) Fall 2001

Assisted Living: Federal and State Options for Affordability, Quality of Care, and Consumer Protection (Sue Seely) 1
New Commission Appointees Bring Subjectivity, Focus, Experience 3
Policy Development and Training for Small-Home Providers (Susan Dishler Shubin) 5
Commission Recommends Regulation, Accreditation, and Access in Assisted Living 17

BIFOCAL 22(4) Summer 2001

Assessing Clients with Diminished Capacity (Charles P. Sabatino) 1
Profile of Elder Law Section of the Illinois State Bar Association (Lee Beneze) 3
Model for Reform: Oklahoma Law Establishes, Defines Role of Legal Services Developer (Richard Ingham) 10

BIFOCAL 22(3) Spring 2001

Internet Resources, Tribal Courts, and Psychiatric Geriatric Program Among Focus of 2001 Law and Aging Partnerships (Jamie Philpotts) 1
Profile of the New Elder Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia (Eleanor M. Crosby) 5
Olmstead: Catalyst to Expand Services for Elderly (Leslie B. Fried) 6
Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (Stephanie Edelstein) 7
Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders (Book Review) (Rebecca C. Morgan) 11

BIFOCAL 22(2) Winter 2001

Coordinating the Efforts of Courts and SSA’s Representative Payment Program (Daniel L. Skoler) 1
End of Life Care Legislative Highlights (Charles P. Sabatino) 3
Reinventing Insurance Regulation for the Benefit of Consumers—A Time for Change (Robert Hunter) 5
Changes in Insurance Regulation Bring Risks for Older Consumers (Erica Wood) 5
Internet Tips for the Elderly (Hon. John N. Kirkendall) 13

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