LD 1765
pg. 1
LD 1765 Title Page An Act To Clarify the Responsibilities under the Adult Protective Services Act ... Page 2 of 10
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LR 2644
Item 1

 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

 
Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3472, as amended by PL 2001, c. 354, §3, is
further amended to read:

 
§3472. Definitions

 
As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates
otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.

 
1. Abuse. "Abuse" means the infliction of injury,
unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with
resulting that causes or is likely to cause physical harm or pain
or mental anguish; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; or the
willful intentional, knowing or reckless deprivation of essential
needs. "Abuse" includes acts and omissions.

 
2. Adult. "Adult" means any person who has attained the age
of 18 years of age or who is a legally emancipated minor.

 
2-A. Bureau. "Bureau" means the Department of Human
Services, Bureau of Elder and Adult Services of the Department of
Human Services.

 
3. Caretaker. "Caretaker" means any individual or
institution who has or assumes the responsibility for the care of
an adult.

 
4. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of
Human Services or a designated representative in the geographical
area in which the person resides or is present or, in the case of
mentally retarded adults with mental retardation, the
Commissioner of Behavioral and Developmental Services or a
designated representative in the geographical area in which the
person resides or is present.

 
5. Department. "Department" means either the Department of
Human Services or, in the case of mentally retarded adults with
mental retardation, the Department of Behavioral and
Developmental Services.

 
6. Dependent adult. "Dependent adult" means any adult who is
wholly or partially dependent upon one or more other persons for
care or support, either emotional or physical, and who would be
in danger if that care or support were withdrawn. an adult who
has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs the
adult's ability to adequately provide for that adult's daily
needs.__"Dependent adult" includes, but is not limited to, any of
the following:


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