HI HB525

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 346-231 to prohibit the Department of Human Services from seeking an order for immediate protection for a vulnerable adult living in their own residence with a prognosis of six months or less to live, unless there is substantial evidence of abuse or danger of abuse.

Modifies Section 346-231(c) to require a finding of substantial evidence (rather than probable cause) that a vulnerable adult has incurred or is in danger of abuse when the vulnerable adult lives at home with a terminal prognosis of six months or less.

Amends Section 346-232(b) to apply the same substantial evidence standard when a court considers continuing or modifying orders for immediate protection for terminally ill vulnerable adults living in their own residence.

Establishes that the higher evidentiary standard (substantial evidence) applies only to vulnerable adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live residing in their own homes; probable cause standard remains for all other vulnerable adult cases.

Takes effect upon approval and does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the Act's effective date.