Ohio lawmakers push bill addressing elder abuse

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Proposed Ohio legislation would add bankers, pharmacists and county humane society agents to the list of people required under law to report suspected elder abuse.

The bill introduced Thursday by Republican House Reps. Mike Dovilla of Berea and Wes Retherford of Hamilton adds those categories to existing requirements for doctors, dentists and hospital workers.

The legislation's goal is to strengthen Ohio's existing Adult Protective Services Law to improve the response to cases of elder abuse and encourage more reporting of such abuse.

The legislation, backed by Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, would also require a state registry to help identify patterns of elder abuse.

The proposed bill would also ensure that the life savings and homes of senior citizens are protected.