Sec. 15. 22 MRSA §3485, as amended by PL 1995, c. 183, §1, is further amended to read:

§3485. Reporting abuse

Upon finding evidence indicating that a person has abused or, neglected or exploited an incapacitated or dependent adult, resulting in serious harm, or has exploited an incapacitated or dependent adult, the department shall notify the district attorney or law enforcement agency.

Sec. 16. 22 MRSA c. 958-A, sub-c. 3, as enacted by PL 1983, c. 575, §1, is repealed.

Sec. 17. 22 MRSA c. 958-A, sub-c. 4 is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER 4

RULES

§3493.__Rules

The department may adopt rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A to carry out this chapter.

Sec. 18. 22 MRSA §5106, sub-§11-B, as enacted by PL 1989, c. 329, §16, is amended to read:

11-B. Adult protective services. Administer a program of protective services as provided in chapter 958-A designed to protect incapacitated and dependent adults, other than adults who are mentally retarded, from abuse, neglect, exploitation and physical danger. The program is described in the Adult Protective Services Act, sections 3471 to 3492;

SUMMARY

This bill clarifies the reporting requirements under the Adult Protective Services Act by making the reporting requirements individual to the reporter, similar to the requirements that currently exist for the reporting of abuse, neglect and exploitation in facilities. This bill also clarifies the relationship between the Adult Protective Services Act and