Nursing home deregulation and supported decision-making agreements explored in ABA e-journal

Arturo Gonzalez of San Francisco: The nomination of Gonzalez came from one of the more unusual sources: a retired federal judge who presided over two pro bono jury trials in which the honoree served as lead counsel and achieved “outstanding and exemplary results” for plaintiffs pushing civil rights claims against law enforcement. Altogether, Gonzalez has worked on more than 100 pro bono cases while a partner at Morrison & Foerster. His work has led law enforcement agencies and governmental units to improve some of their protocols and procedures in terms of tactics and investigatory means.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2019 —The American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging has released its fall 2019 issue of BIFOCAL, which features stories about proposed nursing home deregulations that could put residents’ health and well-being at risk; secrets to winning funding proposals, including seven slip-ups to avoid; supported decision-making agreements gaining momentum around the nation; and an introduction to the new law and aging Commissioners for the 2019-2020 term.

The September-October fall issue is a collection of articles written by some of the country’s foremost law and aging lawyers and experts, who are available to media outlets seeking sources. Experts and their articles include:

• “Nursing Home Deregulation: A Risky Proposition.” A proposed rule would roll back many of the minimum standards of care. Read about what it means for millions of nursing home residents and prospective residents. By Richard Mollot and Dara Valanejad
• “Improvements Needed for Guardianship and Decision Supports for People Indigent and Alone in New York.” A report called for addressing challenges for an often-overlooked population of needy adults with no one to help. By Erica Wood
• “Secrets to Winning Funding Proposals” and “Seven Slip-Ups to Avoid When Seeking Funding.” Learn what to do and what to avoid when seeking funding. By David Godfrey
• “Hospital Fined for HIPAA Right to Access Violation.” In a first, a hospital was fined for waiting more than nine months to give an expectant mother her unborn child’s medical records. By Charlie Sabatino  
• “Supported Decision-Making Agreements Gain Momentum.” Supported decision-making is gaining national recognition as an alternative to guardianship, potentially affecting thousands of Americans and their families. By Zachary Allen and Dari Pogach

BIFOCAL e-journal provides important information about recent developments in law and aging and provides timely, legal resources pertaining to older persons. It is published bi-monthly. The fall issue contains eight articles and is available now.

To view BIFOCAL, click here.

The ABA can refer reporters to legal experts available to speak about BIFOCAL e-journal articles about nursing home deregulation, guardianship, supported decision-making, helping older immigrants and elder fraud abuse.  Reporters seeking comment and analysis on these topics may contact Betsy Adeboyejo at 202-662-1039 or at [email protected] for more information.

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