The number of older and vulnerable
adults in need of long-term care is on the rise. In 2010, those age 65+
represented 12.9% percentage of the population in Minnesota compared to an
expected peak of 21.2% in 2030. In response, assisted living and other senior
communities are being built in record numbers. The current public health
concerns associated with these communities providing long-term care services
include quality of care, regulation, injuries, acceptance of medical assistance.
Minnesota is the only state that does not license assisted living or similar
residential settings to allow greater clarity and oversight for residents.
Reports of maltreatment received by the Office of Health Facility Complaints at
the Minnesota Department of Health have risen by over 600% with 3,608 received
in
2010
compared to 24,210 in 2016. The rise in aging
persons in need of long term care, the explosion of development
of new assisted living communities, and lack of regulation
has resulted in an emerging public health crisis.
Elder law attorneys, advocates, state agencies, providers,
and professionals will need to work together to address the current concerns.
Client scenarios that are presented to Elder Law attorneys
are a mixture of care, finance, decision-making authority, and rights
discussions, to name a few. The issues are intertwined, and it can be difficult
to determine where and how best to advocate. How can Elder Law attorneys address
the global presentation of concerns? How can they issue spot legal claims of
injury? How can they properly navigate medical assistance? What are the trends
and issues facing consumers? What may occur on the legislative front to help
older and vulnerable adults receiving long-term care?
This CLE will address these questions and others to help
elder law attorneys and professionals navigate legal concerns on behalf of older
and vulnerable adults. Moderated with questions by Suzanne Scheller, Esq., a
panel of four professionals will each present on emerging issues in their area
of knowledge, followed by questions from the moderator. The topics discussed
include abuse and medical malpractice claims, tips and trends from the Ombudsman
for Long-Term Care, pitfalls in medical assistance planning, termination of
lease and/or services in assisted living, and legislative proposals and consumer
advocacy at the Capitol.
This CLE is approved for
credit through May 23, 2019.
Moderator:
Suzanne Scheller, Esq.
Attorney, Scheller
Legal Solutions, LLC and
Member, Governor’s Consumer Work Group on Elder
Abuse
Panelists:
Genevieve Gaboriault, Esq.
Managing Attorney, Senior Law
Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Member, Governor’s Consumer Work Group on
Elder Abuse
Cathryn Reher, Esq.
Attorney, Long,
Reher, Hanson and Price PA
Joel Smith, Esq.
Attorney,
Kosieradzki Smith Law Firm
Cheryl Hennen
State Long-Term Care
Ombudsman at the Office of the Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
CLE
Credits:
3.0 Standard CLE Credits approved
| Event Code: 257497
Cost:
MSBA Members: $74.95
Non-MSBA Members:
$159.95