NDP Health critic and Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas has reintroduced a bill to protect vulnerable people in Ontario after the legislature was prorogued.
Gelinas says every year, children and youth can escape from abusive situations thanks to mandatory reporting laws and it is time to afford the same protection to more Ontarians.
Gélinas’ bill, Support for Adults in Need of Assistance Act, would help regulate health professionals protect vulnerable adults by including them in the duty to report.
She adds the bill would remove barriers facing health professionals to identify adults that are being abused or neglected and it would ensure that their reports are recognized and investigated.
She points out the Act will require the establishment of a review team to examine cases and, recommend a support and assistance plan for individuals in need.