SB 1164

Abstract

Repeals the Abuse of Adults with Disabilities Intervention Act. Amends the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Adult Protective Services Act and amends various Acts to change references to the short title. Adds and defines new terms. Provides that within 6 months, the Department on Aging shall establish a centralized Adult Protective Services Helpline for the purposes of reporting the abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an eligible adult. Requires the Department on Aging to make the helpline accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and to post its telephone number online. Requires the Department on Aging to report to the Department of Public Health's health care worker registry the identity and administrative finding against any caregiver of a verified and substantiated decision of significant abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an eligible adult. Contains provisions concerning notice to caregivers; report challenges; registry hearings; a caregiver's rights to collateral action; removal from the registry; and the referral of registry reports to health care facilities; the establishment of a Statewide Fatality Review Team; and other matters. Effective July 1, 2013.