CAREGIVER EMPOWERMENT

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. Provides that the Department on Aging shall require all provider agencies to administer annual enhanced training for all covered aides regarding all of the following: (1) ethical boundaries and conflicts of interest; (2) the fiduciary duties of an agent under the Illinois Power of Attorney Act; and (3) recognizing and reporting signs of financial exploitation and self-neglect. Provides that a covered aide shall not serve as the agent for a program participant in the Community Care Program unless all of the following conditions are met: (1) the family caregiver discloses the dual role in writing to the provider agency and the Department; (2) the participant undergoes a cognitive capacity assessment by a qualified physician or clinical psychologist confirming the participant understands the dual role and, if the participant lacks capacity, the dual role is permitted only if the agency designation was executed prior to the loss of capacity; and (3) the family caregiver agrees to comply with an administrative oversight mechanism. Amends the Adult Protective Services Act. Provides that a covered aide operating as an agent carries an enhanced duty to report. Amends the Illinois Power of Attorney Act. Allows a covered aide to serve as a health care agent for a program participant in the Community Care Program if the requirements of the Illinois Act on the Aging are met.