§ 42-66-1. Declaration of purpose.
The legislature finds and declares:
(1) That the state has an obligation to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of
its elderly citizens;
(2) That to develop and implement innovative programs to insure the dignity and independence
of our elderly citizens is essential to insure and protect their rights;
(3) That upgrading and maintenance of services and programs pertaining to our elderly
citizens deserves priority consideration as a means of preventing ineffective responses
to their health, safety,
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§ 42-66-1. Declaration of purpose.
The legislature finds and declares:
(1) That the state has an obligation to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of
its elderly citizens;
(2) That to develop and implement innovative programs to insure the dignity and independence
of our elderly citizens is essential to insure and protect their rights;
(3) That upgrading and maintenance of services and programs pertaining to our elderly
citizens deserves priority consideration as a means of preventing ineffective responses
to their health, safety, and welfare needs;
(4) That the establishment of a department of state government to provide for the health,
safety, and welfare of elderly citizens is the most effective way to insure that they
are better prepared and equipped to lead productive and meaningful lives; and
(5) The abuse of elderly persons is a social and moral problem in our state and nationally
and the state has a responsibility to provide protection to vulnerable elderly persons
who are abused and/or neglected. The legislature recognizes that reports of elder
abuse have grown significantly and are reaching alarming proportions and that there
is an immediate need to clarify and strengthen the state's role and responsibilities
in the prevention and alleviation of elder abuse.