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Stumbo, Stivers Behind Push For Adult Abuse Registry

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to drum up support for legislation to create an adult abuse registry in Kentucky.

Democrat Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo and Republican State Senator Sara Beth Gregory explained their respective bills at a press conference Thursday.

“This adult abuse registry will be available for all of us to check electronically.  There will be no one on that list who has not had a substantiated claim.” Palumbo said.

Gregory added that the registry “is a very needed and important step to put a system into place that will ensure that seniors and disabled individuals who aren’t able to protect themselves can hire caregivers and that employers can hire caregivers who don’t have any history of abuse or neglect.”

Governor Beshear says 2.2 million dollars has already been set aside for the registry project.  House Bill 256 and Senate Bill 98 would enhance current background check procedures by mandating that certain care providers go through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to determine if a prospective employee or volunteer is on the list.

Democrat House Speaker Greg Stumbo and Republican Senate President Robert Stivers also appeared on the dais to illustrate the level of bi-partisan support for the legislation.

At least 23 other states have some kind of registry to report abuse of adults.

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