March 31st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh announced that his office is joining a new federal-state initiative to protect Maryland’s senior citizens through more aggressive enforcement of nursing home abuse and other elder abuse cases.

The Elder Justice Task Force will include federal, state and local prosecutors, law enforcement and agencies that provide services to the elderly, with the goal of coordinating and enhancing enforcement efforts.

“Maryland’s senior citizens and their families shouldn’t have to worry whether they are receiving quality care and proper services,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable among us, and deserve our strongest protection. This new task force will help ensure that our seniors are protected, and it sends the message to nursing homes and facilities that substandard care is unacceptable. I am glad that so many agencies are coming together to form this important partnership.”

The task force includes representatives from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, state Medicaid Fraud Control Units, state and local prosecutors’ offices, the Department of Health and Human Services, state Adult Protective Services agencies, Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs and law enforcement. In the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, resources will be provided by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.