§ 42-66-1 - Declaration of purpose.
SECTION 42-66-1
§ 42-66-1 Declaration of purpose. –The legislature finds and declares:
(1) That the state has an obligation to provide for thehealth, safety and welfare of its elderly citizens;
(2) That to develop and implement innovative programs toinsure the dignity and independence of our elderly citizens is essential toinsure and protect their rights;
(3) That upgrading and maintenance of services and programspertaining to our elderly citizens deserves priority consideration as a meansof preventing ineffective responses to their health, safety and welfare needs;
(4) That the establishment of a department of stategovernment to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of elderly citizensis the most effective way to insure that they are better prepared and equippedto lead productive and meaningful lives; and
(5) The abuse of elderly persons is a social and moralproblem in our state and nationally and the state has a responsibility toprovide protection to vulnerable elderly persons who are abused and/orneglected. The legislature recognizes that reports of elder abuse have grownsignificantly and are reaching alarming proportions and that there is animmediate need to clarify and strengthen the state's role and responsibilitiesin the prevention and alleviation of elder abuse.