State Policies for the Residency of Offenders in Long-Term Care Facilities: Balancing Right to Care With Safety

Abstract

The presence of residents in long-term care facilities who are registered sex offenders, other predatory offenders, parolees, or inmates transferred by correctional authorities is controversial and has raised concerns about how to care for this potentially dangerous population who may jeopardize the safety of others. Although the present offender population appears to be small, it is likely that demographic and economic pressures will increase its size. Since 2004, 14 states have passed legislation about placement of sex and other offenders in facilities and 5 have implemented non-law policies. Because legislation is relatively recent, it is not possible to evaluate best practices at this time. Research should be a priority to determine best policies and practices to balance the right to care with safety.