An Act protecting vulnerable elders from abuse

This bill strengthens protections for vulnerable elderly residents in Massachusetts by redefining "abuse" to include physical/emotional harm, financial exploitation, and caretaker failures to provide essential needs. It expands the definition of "caretaker" to cover family members, contracted providers, and facilities (except those licensed under specific statutes), and requires mandatory reporting with legal immunity for good-faith reporters. The bill also prohibits retaliation against those who report abuse and mandates the department to develop a coordinated protective services system for elders outside certain licensed facilities. These changes directly affect elderly individuals, their caregivers, and state agencies providing elder services, creating clearer accountability and reporting pathways.