Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3477, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1997, c. 453, §4, is further amended to read:

1. Reasonable cause to suspect. When, while acting in a professional capacity, an allopathic or osteopathic physician, medical intern, medical examiner, physician's assistant, dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist, registered or licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant, social worker, psychologist, pharmacist, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, mental health professional, law enforcement official, coroner, emergency room personnel, ambulance attendant, emergency medical technician or unlicensed assistive personnel suspects that an adult has been abused, neglected or exploited, and has reasonable cause to suspect that the adult is incapacitated, then the professional shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the department.

Whenever a person is required to report as a member of the staff of a medical, public or private institution, agency or facility, the staff person shall immediately make a report directly to the department.

Any person who suspects that an adult has been abused, neglected or exploited, and has reasonable cause to suspect that the adult is incapacitated, dependent or elderly, shall immediately report the suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the department or any law enforcement agency.__If a law enforcement agency receives such a report it shall immediately report to the department.

Sec. 2. 22 MRSA §3479, as repealed and replaced by PL 1989, c. 858, §12, is repealed.

Sec. 3. 22 MRSA §4011, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1999, c. 300, §1, is further amended to read:

1. Reasonable cause to suspect. When, while acting in a professional capacity, an adult who is a medical or osteopathic physician, resident, intern, emergency medical services person, medical examiner, physician's assistant, dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, chiropractor, podiatrist, registered or licensed practical nurse, teacher, guidance counselor, school official, children's summer camp administrator or counselor, social worker, court appointed special advocate or guardian ad litem for the child, homemaker, home health aide, medical or social service worker, psychologist, child care personnel, mental health professional, law enforcement official, state fire inspector, municipal code enforcement official, municipal fire