Nursing in the aged care sector: resident abuse and the reporting obligations.
Elder abuse is recognised in many countries as a significant social, medical and legal issue. In an attempt to address this issue the Australian Government has recently enacted legislative amendments to the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth). These amendments apply to providers in the residential aged care sector who are in receipt of Commonwealth Government subsidies. Among a range of obligations aimed at the protection of the elderly is the requirement for the mandatory reporting of sexual and serious assault in the aged care sector. This column considers some of the issues relevant to addressing the abuse of older Australians.
Forrester
Kim
K
Supreme Court of New South Wales.
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence