This bill amends the Adult Protective Services Act to enhance the protection of vulnerable adults by expanding mandatory reporting requirements, establishing penalties for non-compliance, and creating a public registry of substantiated cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Under the revised law, all individuals in New Jersey who have reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited are required to report this information to the county adult protective services provider. Failure to report will result in a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, along with a civil penalty of up to $500.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for individuals who willfully interfere with evaluations or the provision of protective services mandated by the county adult protective services provider. It also mandates the Department of Human Services to maintain a publicly accessible registry on its website that lists individuals found to have committed acts of abuse, neglect, or exploitation against vulnerable adults, while ensuring that no personal information about the victims is disclosed. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the accountability of individuals and agencies involved in the protection of vulnerable adults in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-407, 52:27D-409, 52:27D-410, 52:27D-411, 52:27D-421