HI HR120

Request the Department of Human Services to conduct a study on the expanded adult protective services law that took effect July 1, 2009, which covers caregiver neglect, physical abuse, psychological abuse, self-neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse.

Study must examine the significant disparity between investigated cases (1,160) and confirmed cases (99) in fiscal year 2011, including identifying possible causes related to public understanding, resource limitations, or other variables.

Department to document disposition and referral status of both confirmed and investigated-but-not-confirmed cases by age bracket, and track subsequent reports or investigations for originally non-confirmed cases.

Department to implement immediate changes to data collection systems to capture case disposition information and improve ability to identify service gaps for specific age groups, particularly adults under 60 years old not served by other providers.

Director of Human Services must submit preliminary and final reports with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 and 2014 regular sessions.