Legislative Update: Changing the Burden of Proof for Elder Abuse in California Nursing Homes

June 2, 2011  

I previously blogged about the importance of SB 558. California Senate Bill 558 (Sponsor: Simitian) changes the burden of proof from clear and convincing to a preponderance of evidence in elder abuse cases. The nursing home industry lobbied heavily against this bill, and it narrowly passed with the minimum of 21 votes on the Senate Floor on June 1, 2011. It moves next to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. If you wish to express support for the bill, you can do so by writing to members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.