Sec. 07.02.16.05. Response to Report of a Vulnerable Adult

A. To protect the welfare of the alleged vulnerable adult the local department shall begin a thorough investigation:

(1) Within 5 working days after the receipt of the report of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation; or

(2) Within 24 hours after the receipt of the report of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation if the report indicates that an emergency exists.

B. To protect the welfare of the alleged vulnerable adult the local department shall complete an investigation:

(1) Within 30 days of the receipt of the report; and

(2) Within 10 days of the receipt of the report, if the report indicates that an emergency exists as described in §A(2) of this regulation.

C. A vulnerable adult is eligible for investigation of a report of suspected self-neglect, neglect, or exploitation when the vulnerable adult is a patient or resident in a facility identified in Regulation .03 of this chapter. The local department, when appropriate, may forward to the State Office of Aging or Office of Heath Care Quality a referral to investigate allegations received of suspected self-neglect, neglect, and exploitation within facilities identified in Regulation .03 of this chapter regarding a vulnerable adult's living environment and suspected maltreatment by facility staff.

D. Report of a Resident in an Assisted Living Program.

(1) If emergency flex funds or local department staff are available, the local department may assist the resident with relocation to another assisted living program, upon notification by the Office of Health Care Quality, or the assisted living manager or alternative manager of the emergency removal of a resident or the emergency suspension or revocation of a facility's license.

(2) Upon completion of an investigation, the local department may send a report of the outcome of a completed investigation to the Office of Health Care Quality, the local law enforcement agency, and the State's Attorney's Office, if appropriate, or if there appears to be evidence of criminal intent to harm or exploit a vulnerable adult.