A bill seeking to add attorneys, chiropractors, optometrists and members of the Oregon Legislature to a list of people who are required to report elder abuse passed the Oregon House of Representatives on Monday and is now on its way to Gov. John Kitzhaber’s desk for his signature.

State law currently requires 16 types of professionals – including doctors, senior center employees and social workers – to report elder abuse to the proper authorities whenever they suspect it has occurred. State officials are required to keep the names of individuals who report cases of suspected elder abuse confidential and these reporters could be given civil immunity if they acted with reasonable grounds.