CT SB00896

Redefines key terms including "elderly person" (age 60+), "abuse," "neglect," "exploitation," and "abandonment," and replaces "caretaker" with "caregiver" throughout the protective services statutes effective October 1, 2015.

Requires the Commissioner of Social Services to conduct in-person investigations of reports of elderly abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment, including interviews with the elderly person alone unless they refuse consent or the commissioner determines it is not in their best interests.

Allows the commissioner to disclose elderly person's records to multidisciplinary teams, law enforcement, and in proceedings necessary for their health and safety, but protects the identity of reporters except with written permission or by court order.

Establishes that elderly persons or their legal representatives have rights to access department records about investigations and examinations, with limited exceptions to protect confidentiality of reporters and other individuals.

Creates a new procedure allowing the commissioner to petition Probate Court for an ex parte order to enter an elderly person's premises when reasonable cause exists to believe they may need protective services and access has been refused.