Governor’s mind still open on conservators

Re “Gov. Opposes Bill Licensing Conservators,” Aug. 5

This article states that the governor is opposed to pending state legislation dealing with the licensing of conservators. The governor has not taken a position on this measure and is currently reviewing it on its merits and working with the author and legislative leadership.

The governor has made protecting our most vulnerable citizens a priority, and he is committed to taking the necessary steps to protect those who cannot care for themselves. The issue at stake -- ensuring the well-being and proper care of individuals who cannot take care of themselves -- is broader than just the licensing of conservators. We will continue to look at the merits of this legislation, as well as other similar measures, and will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the most frail members of society.

KIM BELSHE

Secretary

California Health and Human

Services Agency

Sacramento

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I served with the California Ombudsman Program for 10 years. During the time that I acted as an advocate for the residents of several nursing and retirement homes in Los Angeles, I came across at least a dozen cases in which residents were being taken advantage of by a court-appointed conservator.

I am very much in favor of a law requiring conservators to be licensed. However, until judges, to whom conservators are required to make reports on a regular basis, carefully study these reports and don’t just rubber-stamp them, there will continue to be many victims.

BARBARA F. SALTZMAN

Los Angeles

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The governor’s ideological opposition to licensing of conservators makes as much sense to me as not licensing doctors.

JANET ATKINSON

San Pedro