CT HB05289

Commissioner of Social Services shall develop a strategic plan by July 1, 2017 to incorporate federal ACL Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State Adult Protective Services and align state data collection with the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System.

Commissioner shall create an educational training program on identifying and reporting abuse, neglect, exploitation and abandonment of elderly persons, available online and in-person throughout the state.

Investigators must conduct in-person visits, consult relevant individuals, and interview elderly persons alone unless the person refuses or it is not in their best interests; investigators may subpoena witnesses and compel document production.

Mandatory reporters must be notified within 45 days of investigation completion regarding findings in general terms, while keeping witness names confidential and not disclosing suspect identities unless arrests were made.

Commission on Aging shall evaluate the state's elderly protective services system by October 1, 2017 and recommend whether to expand the system to serve persons 18 years of age and older.