House Bill 2587 proposes amendments to the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning adult protective services. The bill requires the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) to consider compliance with vulnerable adult reporting requirements when determining the amount of a civil penalty for health care institutions and staff. It also grants protective services workers the authority to access law enforcement records related to adult protective services cases and to file for orders of protection or injunctions against harassment on behalf of vulnerable adults. Additionally, the bill establishes the Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee, which is tasked with developing a coordinated vulnerable adult delivery system, recommending best practices, and reviewing statutes and rules governing vulnerable adult services. The committee is required to submit a report of its findings by October 1, 2025, and will be repealed on December 31, 2025.

The bill makes several specific changes to current law, including increasing the maximum civil penalty for violations from $500 to an unspecified amount, and requiring law enforcement to provide relevant records to Adult Protective Services (APS) upon request. It also outlines the composition and duties of the newly established Vulnerable Adult System Study Committee, which includes members from various state agencies, law enforcement, and organizations advocating for elderly vulnerable adults. The committee will focus on improving the vulnerable adult service system, data collection, and case management after APS investigations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-431.01, 46-452, 46-454, 36-409, 35-146, 35-147, 36-431.02, 13-3624, 12-1809
House Engrossed Version: 36-431.01, 46-452, 46-454, 36-409, 35-146, 35-147, 36-431.02, 13-3602, 12-1809