House passes two Reschenthaler bills supporting Alzheimer’s patients, incarcerated women

U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) last week commended unanimous passage by the U.S. House of Representatives on Oct. 1 of two bipartisan bills he introduced to protect both Alzheimer’s patients and incarcerated pregnant women.

The Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, H.R. 6813, which Rep. Reschenthaler cosponsored in May with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), would amend the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act to improve the prevention of elder abuse and exploitation of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, according to the text of the proposal.

“I am proud that today the House passed the Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act, which will equip our nation’s first responders and caregivers with best practices to respond to incidents of elder abuse, including financial fraud, physical abuse, and neglect,” Rep. Reschenthaler said on Oct. 1. “Senior citizens suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia are especially vulnerable to exploitation and other harm, and H.R. 6813 will ensure we have the tools to keep these Americans safe.”

The House also approved the Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act, H.R. 7718, which Rep. Reschenthaler cosponsored in July with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) to address the health needs of incarcerated women related to pregnancy and childbirth, according to the bill’s text.

“The Protecting the Health and Wellness of Babies and Pregnant Women in Custody Act addresses the needs of pregnant and postpartum women in prison by ensuring access to necessary health care and services,” said Rep. Reschenthaler. “By improving access to these vital health care resources and providing training for law enforcement and corrections agencies, this bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation will produce better outcomes for mothers and their unborn children.”

H.R. 6813 and H.R. 7718 now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration.