Bill > SB182

This bill modifies existing laws concerning Adult Protective Services by updating definitions and investigation procedures for the abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, which are individuals unable to provide for their own daily needs due to physical or mental incapacity. Key changes include clarifying that "abuse" and "exploitation" occur when perpetrated by an "individual in a relationship of trust" with the vulnerable adult, a term defined as someone a vulnerable adult would reasonably rely on for protection or care. The bill also introduces specific definitions for "indicated" (abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation is more likely than not to have occurred and the individual is at risk of harm), "not indicated" (the opposite of indicated), and "undetermined" (insufficient information to make a finding). Furthermore, it mandates that a local department must complete an investigation and issue one of these three findings within 60 days of receiving a report, removing the previous distinction for emergency situations which had a shorter 10-day timeframe. The bill also expands the methods for reporting suspected abuse to include an online reporting portal.

Justice

Judicial Proceedings (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0182?ys=2026RS