Existing law makes it a crime to abuse, neglect, isolate, abandon or exploit an older person or a vulnerable person. (NRS 200.5099) Section 3 of this bill defines the term “adult maltreatment” to refer to such crimes. Sections 4-7 of this bill define certain other terms. Section 8 of this bill creates the Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Committee within the Department of Health and Human Services and prescribes the membership of the Committee. Section 8 also prescribes certain rules governing the operation of the Committee. Section 8 immunizes the members, employees, agents and consultants of the Committee from civil liability for acts performed in good faith and within the scope of duties of the Committee. Section 8 authorizes the Director of the Department to: (1) apply for and accept gifts, grants and donations to support the activities of the Committee; and (2) adopt regulations governing the activities of the Committee. Section 9 of this bill requires the Committee to review each death in this State that is known or suspected to have been caused by or be related to adult maltreatment and is referred to the Committee by certain governmental entities or relatives of the decedent. Section 9 additionally authorizes the Committee to review any other death that the Committee reasonably believes may have been caused by or related to adult maltreatment. Section 10 of this bill prescribes other duties of the Committee relating to the investigation and prevention of adult maltreatment. Section 10 requires the Committee to: (1) biennially publish on an Internet website maintained by the Department a report that consists of data concerning adult maltreatment in this State; and (2) annually submit to the Legislature a separate report containing certain information and recommendations about adult maltreatment. Section 10 requires a representative of the Committee or the Aging and Disability Services Division of the Department to biennially present such information and recommendations at a meeting of the Legislative Committee on Senior Citizens, Veterans and Adults With Special Needs. Section 11 of this bill authorizes the Committee to take certain measures necessary to perform its duties, including consulting with experts and other interested persons and entering into contracts. Section 12 of this bill entitles the Committee to access certain records it determines necessary to perform its duties and authorizes the Committee to petition the district court for a subpoena to compel the production of such records. Section 12 also provides that information acquired by and records of the Committee are confidential and not subject to subpoena, discovery or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding. Sections 12 and 14 of this bill provide that such records are not public records. Sections 12 and 15 of this bill provide that meetings of the Committee are closed to the public. Existing law creates in the Office of the Attorney General the Unit for the Investigation and Prosecution of Crimes Against Older Persons or Vulnerable Persons. (NRS 228.265) Existing law authorizes the Unit to investigate and prosecute deaths resulting from adult maltreatment. (NRS 228.270) Section 10 authorizes the Attorney General to review any cases referred to the Committee to determine the need for further investigation. Section 12 authorizes the Committee to meet and share information with the Unit and certain entities that investigate domestic violence.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 228.270, 239.010, 241.016
Reprint 1: 228.270, 239.010, 241.016
Reprint 2: 228.270, 239.010, 241.016
Reprint 3: 239.010, 241.016
As Enrolled: 239.010, 241.016
BDR: 228.270, 239.010, 241.016