HI HCR118

Request the Department of Human Services to conduct a study on the expanded adult protective services law (Act 154, Session Laws of Hawaii 2008) and its implementation since July 1, 2009.

Investigate the wide disparity between investigated abuse reports and confirmed cases: fiscal year 2010 had 1,065 reports versus 170 confirmed cases; 2011 had 1,160 reports versus 99 confirmed cases; 2012 had 1,049 reports versus 197 confirmed cases.

Examine disposition status of both confirmed and non-confirmed cases by age bracket, track subsequent reports for originally non-confirmed cases, and identify service gaps, particularly for adults under 60 years of age.

Identify challenges including whether public understanding of the law drives excess reports, whether inadequate departmental resources limit confirmations and services, and recommend information system changes to improve data tracking and reporting by age bracket.

Require the Department to submit preliminary and final reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the 2014 and 2015 Regular Sessions, respectively.