AZ HB2397

Adds "emotional abuse" to the definition of abuse under Arizona Revised Statutes section 46-451, defining emotional abuse as a pattern of ridiculing, demeaning, verbally harassing, or threatening to inflict physical or emotional harm on a vulnerable adult.

Establishes a separate definition for "emotional abuse" in the vulnerable adult protections statute.

Renumbers subsequent definitions in section 46-451 (definitions 5-11 become 6-12) to accommodate the new emotional abuse definition.

Applies to vulnerable adults, defined as individuals 18 years or older unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to physical or mental impairment.