In an effort to better protect the elderly population in Utah, the state legislature has proposed a series of changes to the current elder law regulations. The proposed changes aim to address issues such as financial exploitation, guardianship abuse, and neglect of elderly individuals.One of the key proposals is the establishment of a statewide registry for guardians. This registry would require all individuals serving as guardians for elderly individuals to be registered and undergo background checks. This measure is intended to prevent cases of guardianship abuse, where individuals appointed to care for seniors take advantage of their position for financial gain.Additionally, the proposed changes include increased penalties for those found guilty of financial exploitation of seniors. Currently, Utah law only imposes misdemeanor charges for financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, but the proposed changes would elevate this offense to a felony.Another aspect of the proposed changes is the expansion of reporting requirements for caretakers and healthcare providers. Under the new regulations, caregivers and healthcare providers would be mandated to report suspected cases of elder abuse or neglect. This is aimed at ensuring that cases of abuse or neglect are brought to the attention of authorities promptly.These proposed changes have received support from various advocacy groups for the elderly in Utah. The AARP Utah chapter has expressed its approval of the measures, stating that they are a step in the right direction towards better protecting the elderly population in the state.The proposed changes to Utah's elder law regulations are currently under review by the state legislature and are expected to be voted on in the coming weeks. If approved, these changes will mark a significant milestone in efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of seniors in Utah.