Governor Jay Nixon is signing legislation Wednesday designed to protect senior citizens from financial exploitation. Senate Bill 689 expands the definition of financial exploitation against seniors and those with disabilities to include “undue influence…”
“This new language makes it clear that even someone who has power of attorney or guardianship can be prosecuted if they use their influence to take advantage of an elederly or disabled person’s finances,” Nixon said.
According to Nixon, it’s been difficult for prosecutors in financial exploitation cases if the person committing the crime had legal status as a guardian or power of attorney. Nixon says the law also protects elderly from physical abuse by making it clear that caregivers who fail to seek medication attention or fail to provide care for an individual in need will be held accountable.