House Bill 15-1018 Summary

• Expands mandatory reporting requirements for elder abuse and exploitation by adding mental health professionals (social workers, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, registered psychotherapists, and addiction counselors) to the list of persons required to report.

• Requires victim advocates employed by or volunteering with law enforcement agencies to report suspected abuse or exploitation of persons 70 years of age or older.

• Mandates employees, contractors, and volunteers operating specialized transportation services for at-risk elders to report observed abuse or exploitation.

• Appropriates $30,002 to the Department of Human Services for the 2015-16 fiscal year ($2,400 for state administration and $27,602 for adult protective services) to implement the expanded reporting requirements.

• Effective July 1, 2015, and applies to observations made on or after that date.