KOLKHORST RECEIVES LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM AARP
(courtesy Office of Lois Kolkhorst)
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham has received an award in recognition of her work for the elderly.
Kolkhorst received the Legislative Achievement Award from the American Association of Retired People (AARP) and its 2.3 million members, for her efforts in the 86th legislative session.
Kolkhorst, as Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, worked with the AARP to sponsor and pass House Bill 2050, which eliminates the practice of sedating nursing home residents for convenience and not medical need.
Concerns have been raised across the state that some nursing home residents may be receiving antipsychotic medications without medical need, and often without the consent of the resident or his or her legal representative.
Under the new law, written consent must be given by a nursing home resident or family member, prior to administering an antipsychotic drug.
Kolkhorst said elderly Texans and their families “deserve to have their voices heard on matters that affect them”. She said she will always champion the rights of seniors and their families, and that she looks forward to continuing to work with those who “seek to build a better Texas”.