February 14, 2024
Nate Crippes / Public Affairs Supervising Attorney
ncrippes@disabilitylawcenter.org
Andrew Riggle / Public Policy Advocate
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
We very much appreciate SB 229 from Sen. McKell. As the State’s Protection and Advocacy Agency for Utahns with disabilities, we receive numerous concerns about abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities. This past summer, we released a report that highlighted a particularly egregious situation involving the failure of two separate facilities and the entire long-term services and support system that led to the death of Chien Nguyen. It was a tragic story, but it highlights why this bill is necessary.
In the months since our report, we have continued to receive numerous calls from the community about concerning situations where Utahns with disabilities are subject to abuse or neglect in state and federally regulated facilities. Anything we can do to increase oversight and the tools available to protect vulnerable Utahns, including more regular visits and inspections to facilities, is incredibly important. So we very much appreciate the efforts of Sen. McKell to provide much needed oversight of the long-term services and supports system, and we urge your support of this bill.
Thank you for your time and consideration.