Washington State

House of Representatives

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BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

HB 2379

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Title: An act relating to the creation of two elder justice center demonstration programs.

Brief Description: Creating two elder justice center demonstration sites.

Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Jinkins and Appleton.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to establish two elder justice center demonstration programs, one in Clark County and the other in Spokane County, that coordinate a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of abandonment, abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Hearing Date: 1/19/16

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

Protection of Vulnerable Adults.

The term "vulnerable adult" includes a person who:

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) Adult Protective Services (APS) receives reports of, and investigates, incidents of suspected abandonment, abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The APS may offer protective services and take steps to facilitate the health and safety of the vulnerable adult. Such steps may include having a case manager work with the vulnerable adult to:

The APS may also report the abuser to law enforcement, assist in obtaining an emergency protective order or an injunction, and make referrals for legal assistance. Additionally, the APS may work with the Office of the Attorney General to have a guardian appointed.

Summary of Bill:

An "elder justice center" is a senior-focused program that coordinates a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of abandonment, abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

The DSHS must establish two elder justice center demonstration programs, one in Clark County and the other in Spokane County, and may contract with the counties for the implementation of the programs. These centers must coordinate access to services, including but not limited to:

Multidisciplinary teams may also include community agencies and systems that are involved with the prevention and response to elder abandonment, abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

The county prosecuting attorney, with the assistance of others such as law enforcement, adult protective services, and local advocacy groups, must develop protocols to address coordination of investigations.

The DSHS must submit reports to the Governor and the Legislature as follows:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/13/16.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.