1. To increase public awareness of the problem of elder abuse and neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly, the department of health and senior services shall implement an education and awareness program. Such program shall have the goal of reducing the incidences of elder abuse and neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly, and may focus on:

(1) The education and awareness of mandatory reporters on their responsibility to report elder abuse and neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly;

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(2) Targeted education and awareness for the public on the problem, identification and reporting of elder abuse and neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly;

(3) Publicizing the elder abuse and neglect hotline telephone number;

(4) Education and awareness for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors on the problem and identification of elder abuse and neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly, and the importance of prosecuting cases pursuant to chapter 565; and

(5) Publicizing the availability of background checks prior to hiring an individual for caregiving purposes.

2. The department of social services and facilities licensed pursuant to chapters 197 and 198 shall cooperate fully with the department of health and senior services in the distribution of information pursuant to this program.