Bill > HB5422

This bill revises the penalties for vulnerable adult abuse by amending Section 145n of 1931 Public Act 328, which is the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) section governing these crimes. The changes focus on the crime of fourth-degree vulnerable adult abuse, which is defined as a caregiver or other person in authority recklessly causing physical harm to a vulnerable adult, or knowingly or intentionally committing an act that poses an unreasonable risk of harm, even if no physical harm occurs. This offense remains a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. The bill also clarifies existing definitions for first, second, and third-degree vulnerable adult abuse, which involve intentional or reckless acts causing serious physical or mental harm, or intentional physical harm, with corresponding felony or misdemeanor penalties. Importantly, the bill includes provisions that do not prohibit reasonable actions taken to prevent a vulnerable adult from being harmed or from harming others, nor does it apply to actions taken under a patient advocate designation.