Overview: PS 729, "Para crear la 'Ley del Registro de Personas Maltratantes de Adultos Mayores de Puerto Rico'", is a bill that seeks to establish a registry of individuals who have been found to have abused or mistreated elderly adults in Puerto Rico. The bill was introduced on September 18, 2025, and the commission has recommended against its approval.
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this bill is to create a centralized registry that would track individuals who have been identified as perpetrators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly adults. The registry would be administered by the Auxiliary Administration of Services for the Elderly and Adults with Disabilities (ADFAN) under the Department of the Family.
Key Provisions:
- Establishes the "Registry of Abusers of Elderly Adults of Puerto Rico" and outlines its scope, registration protocol, confidentiality, and review mechanisms.
- Requires the registration of individuals who have been found guilty of abusing, neglecting, or exploiting elderly adults through legal proceedings or administrative processes.
- Mandates the development of regulations to govern the registry, including procedures for inclusion, removal, and access to the information.
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would directly impact elderly adults in Puerto Rico, as it aims to provide a tool to identify and track individuals who have been found to have mistreated or abused them. Additionally, the registry would affect the individuals who are included, as it could impact their future employment or interactions with the elderly population.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The commission has recommended against the approval of this measure, indicating that the legislative process for this bill may face challenges. The next steps would likely involve further consideration and debate within the legislature.
