Oregon’s Law That Mandates “Elder Abuse Reporting” by Lawyers Now in Effect

As outlined in the Bar Counsel column of the January issue of the Oregon State Bar Bulletin, on January 1, 2015, lawyers became mandated reporters of suspected elder abuse, including physical abuse, neglect, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation.  Deputy General Counsel Amber Hollister for the Oregon State Bar explains:

“Lawyers across Oregon are talking about elder abuse reporting.  On Jan. 1, 2015, legislation took effect making all Oregon lawyers mandatory reporters of elder abuse.  HB 2205 (2013).  As with any new law, there are still many questions about how the new requirements will apply and impact lawyers’ day-to-day practice….

 

The new reporting requirement was enacted at the recommendation of the Oregon Elder Abuse Prevention Work Group, which was tasked with studying how to better protect older Oregonians.  As state Rep. Val Hoyle notes, ‘for four years, the work group has focused on protecting some of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens.  Integrating lawyers into Oregon’s elder abuse safety net as mandatory reporters will provide our state with 19,000 additional advocates.'”