Local departments must record findings in adult harm investigations

Abuse includes psychological harm and sexual abuse, and abuse, neglect, and exploitation must involve a person in a relationship of trust with the adult. A vulnerable adult is an adult who lacks the physical or mental capacity to meet daily needs. A relationship of trust can involve a relative, friend, household member, caregiver, or another person reasonably expected to protect or care for the adult. Psychological harm means severe emotional distress from an intentional act or series of acts that substantially impairs the adult’s ability to function. Exploitation means nonconsensual misuse of the adult’s funds or property. These definitions take effect October 1, 2026.

Required reporters must notify the local department and may submit their report through an online portal. The reporting duty applies to health practitioners, police officers, and human service workers who contact, examine, attend, or treat an alleged vulnerable adult. Health practitioners, police officers, and human service workers must report when they have reason to believe an alleged vulnerable adult has suffered abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation. Other people may report but are not required to do so under this section. Ombudsmen must follow separate federal rules about disclosure. The portal is available as a reporting method starting October 1, 2026.

Local departments must determine whether the adult is vulnerable, whether harm occurred, and whether the adult is at risk, then make an indicated, not indicated, or undetermined finding. These duties apply to local departments investigating reports of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation involving an alleged vulnerable adult. Departments must begin an investigation within five working days after receiving a report, or within 24 hours if the report indicates an emergency. If the adult is vulnerable, suffered harm, and is at risk, the investigation must also examine the harm, who was responsible, the home, and other relevant facts. An indicated finding means it is more likely than not that all three conditions are true. A not indicated finding means it is more likely than not that at least one is not true; an undetermined finding means there is not enough information. Departments must complete the investigation and make a finding within 60 days after receiving the report. They must still begin an emergency investigation within 24 hours.