LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released the latest edition of the Elder Abuse Task Force newsletter. The issue features legislative updates, new resources, and a look into the psychology behind common scams. 

“This newsletter is just one of the many ways the Elder Abuse Task Force works to support and protect Michigan’s older adults,” Nessel said. “I hope this issue not only informs families of important legislative updates and resources but also empowers them to better safeguard themselves and loved ones from scams.” 

The newsletter highlights a new legislative package, House Bills 4418 and 4419, that creates a patient consent statute. The legislation, which comes out of a subcommittee of the Elder Abuse Task Force, would help families make health care decisions and reduce the need for hospitals to go to court and the need for court-appointed attorneys. 

Readers are also reminded that free, fillable Power of Attorney forms now available for download on the Department of Attorney General’s website. The forms, prepared by the Kimble Center for Legal Drafting at Cooley Law School, make it easier for Michigan residents and their family members to appoint a trusted individual to make important financial and medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.  

The issue also includes:  

• A look into the psychology behind scams, explaining how criminals exploit emotions to defraud victims; 
• An update on the Michigan Guardianship Diversion Project, a project of Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, which seeks to help people at risk of guardianship continue to make decisions for themselves; and  
• A reminder of the upcoming 2025 Michigan Elder Justice Conference on September 23-24 in Spring Lake. 

Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – all working together to combat elder abuse. The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives (PDF), including requiring certification and training for professional guardians. Achievements include the following: 

• The adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form for investigation by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related trainings; 
• The Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (FEPA): FEPA was signed into law in 2021 to ensure mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation; 
• A complete re-write of the Power of Attorney statute; and 
• A statute to make Securities Broker/Dealers and Financial Advisors mandatory reporters of suspected financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. 

More than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. They experience abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.