Rising 'No-Need' Designations Prompt State Intervention

Pennsylvania's Department of Aging scaled back oversight of 'no-need' abuse reports after Shapiro administration took office in 2023.
By 2024-25, 21% of cases were designated 'no-need', exceeding 2018 levels that prompted State Inspector General intervention.
A 65-year-old woman with life-threatening conditions was classified 'no-need' by Allegheny County in March, deemed incorrect by four former specialists.
Department spokesperson Karen Gray called criticisms 'grossly inaccurate', citing 18-month sampling of 'no-need' cases.
Retired assessor Peter Hans warned oversight gaps risk human consequences for vulnerable seniors.

Aging | Abuse | Oversight

United States | Pennsylvania

Karen Gray | Peter Hans

1 day ago