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Elder abuse agencies reject cases experts say they should investigate as Pa. scales back oversight
Officials say the state still reviews a sample of cases every 18 months as no-need designations rose to 21%, reigniting concerns about missed abuse reports.
Pennsylvania's Department of Aging sharply scaled back daily oversight of 'no-need' abuse reports after the Shapiro administration took office in 2023, leaving vulnerable seniors at risk.
By the 2024-25 fiscal year, statewide 'no-need' designations had risen to 21%, exceeding levels that prompted the State Inspector General to intervene in 2018.
In March, an Allegheny County agency classified a 65-year-old woman as 'no-need' despite life-threatening conditions, a decision four former protective services specialists deemed wrong.
Department spokesperson Karen Gray called criticisms 'grossly inaccurate,' stating the agency monitors a sampling of no-need cases every 18 months and provides targeted feedback to counties.
Retired aging services assessor Peter Hans argued that oversight gaps carry real human consequences, emphasizing the state's protective services program must keep vulnerable older Pennsylvanians safe.