Sen. Albers Introduces Bill to Protect Our Most Vulnerable

ATLANTA (February 27, 2013) – Sen. John Albers (R –Roswell) introduced Senate Bill 207 on Monday, February 25. This legislation would allow private home care providers to obtain first offenders information on job applicants.

“Instead of nursing home care, many Georgians choose to live out their golden years from the comfort and privacy of their own homes,” said Sen. Albers.  “As Georgia’s elderly and disabled population continues to grow, they are becoming increasingly at risk for abuse at the hands of their caregivers. This is a trend that can be stopped simply by ensuring the right people are in place to care for our states most vulnerable.”

Under the Georgia First Offender Act, individuals are allowed to opt-out of reporting a felony if they successfully complete the terms of their sentence. However, offenses such as child molestation, incest, sexual battery, abuse, or exploitation will immediately disqualify individuals from employment with institutions such as schools, child care facilities and nursing homes. Senate Bill 207 would add private home care providers to this list.

Private home care providers serve many functions, including providing nursing services, personal care tasks, meal preparation, and companion or sitter tasks for individuals who are elderly, handicapped, or convalesced.

“We need individuals with a sterling background to provide private home care,” said Sen. Albers. “This bill seeks to stop the cycle of repeat offenses in the private home care setting and prevents felons from obtaining employment within our most intimate environment – our home.”

Senate Bill 207 has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 27, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028