EJC Policy Victories — 23 Years of Legislative Impact
From the 2003 founding to active 2026 campaigns — EJC's proof record of federal elder justice advocacy.
The Legislative Record
No peer organization in the elder justice space has built a comprehensive, dated, quantified legislative impact record. This timeline is EJC's proof: 23 years of keeping federal elder justice on the congressional agenda.
- 2003
Coalition Founded — Elder Justice Act Introduced
In February 2003, five national organizations — NCPEA, NAELA, NASUA, NASOP, and NAPSA — joined forces to create the Elder Justice Coalition, coinciding with the introduction of the original Elder Justice Act in Congress. The coalition was founded specifically to create a sustained advocacy infrastructure for comprehensive federal legislation addressing elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
Elder Justice Act (original introduction) - 2010
Elder Justice Act Enacted — Historic First
After a seven-year campaign coordinated by EJC, the Elder Justice Act was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act — the first comprehensive federal legislation specifically addressing elder abuse in American history. The Act authorized programs for elder abuse prevention, detection, treatment, intervention, and prosecution, and established the Elder Justice Coordinating Council and an Advisory Board on Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation.
Elder Justice Act (S. 795)Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) - 2016
Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act — Signed Into Law
EJC supported passage of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which strengthened the Justice Department's response to elder financial exploitation, required DOJ to designate elder justice coordinators, and enhanced training for federal law enforcement on elder abuse cases.
Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act - 2020
APS Appropriations — Continued Advocacy Through COVID Crisis
EJC continued its appropriations advocacy for Adult Protective Services funding throughout the COVID-19 crisis, during which elder abuse and isolation increased dramatically. EJC coordinated member outreach to Congress advocating for emergency APS resources as nursing home deaths and elder isolation created an intensified elder abuse crisis.
FY2020-2021 Labor-HHS Appropriations - 2022
Older Americans Act Reauthorization — Ongoing Coalition Leadership
EJC has sustained its advocacy for Older Americans Act reauthorization, coordinating member campaigns across multiple congressional sessions. The OAA funds essential elder services including home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver support, and elder abuse prevention programs serving older Americans in every congressional district.
Older Americans Act Reauthorization - 2025
USPSTF Screening Response — EJC Formal Public Comment
In June 2025, EJC published a formal public comment responding to the US Preventive Services Task Force's refusal to recommend elder abuse screening — calling it 'a regrettable form of ageism.' EJC's Policy Analyst Laura Borth noted the USPSTF had 'again refused' to support screening, with the word 'again' carrying editorial weight about the institutional pattern. This public comment demonstrated EJC's continued role as an active advocacy voice willing to challenge federal entities.
USPSTF Elder Abuse Screening Recommendation (I Grade) - 2026
$100M APS + $187.5M LTCOP
Active 2026 Campaigns — OAA, APS FY27, LTCOP FY27
EJC is actively coordinating three congressional campaigns in 2026: Older Americans Act reauthorization (bipartisan Senate bill, lobbying House), $100M APS formula funding in FY27 appropriations, and $187.5M total LTCOP funding under Title VII OAA and the Elder Justice Act. These campaigns represent the current legislative priorities for EJC's 3,000-member coalition.
OAA ReauthorizationFY27 Labor-HHS Appropriations