The bill amends the definitions related to "abuse" and "neglect" in the context of healthcare facilities and elderly care. It removes the requirement of intent from the definitions of "abuse" and "neglect," thereby broadening the scope of what constitutes abuse and neglect. The term "willful" is deleted from the definitions, meaning that actions that may cause harm to patients or elderly individuals can be classified as abuse or neglect even if there was no intentional wrongdoing.

The bill also clarifies the definitions of various forms of abuse, including emotional and physical abuse, as well as neglect, ensuring that the language is more inclusive and comprehensive. Additionally, it introduces new definitions for terms such as "immediate jeopardy," "high managerial agent," and "exploitation," which are essential for understanding the responsibilities and potential violations within healthcare facilities and community residences for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

These changes aim to enhance the protection of vulnerable populations in healthcare settings and ensure that any form of mistreatment is adequately addressed. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7488: 23-17.8-1, 42-66-4.1