Action | Revise Adult Protective Services Regulations |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 3/20/2020 |
I am aware that APS investigations are required to be completed within 45 days. I would like to highlight that as a private citizen, this time frame is not sufficient to conduct a thorough investigation especially cases involving financial exploitation. The amount of time it takes for an identified individual/organization to prepare and disseminate requested information, it can take at least 30 days. This does not include the amount of time it takes to analyze the information and put it into writing. Therefore, I propose the investigation time frame be extended to 60 days.
As a government agency, APS services are involuntary until they are no longer determined to be involuntary. This determination is made based on an adult's decision making capacity. Therefore, the need to give all parties involved in the investigation the right to accurate and complete information is critical to being trustworthy and transparent. If APS moves a case from the investigation stage to ongoing without having obtained any/all information, they lose the ability to obtain information without the victim's consent. This could be damaging to not only the victim, also those who hold professional licenses. I am also concerned about this will impact the right to review process.