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First Substitute H.B. 25

Representative Patricia W. Jones proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

             2     
AMENDMENTS

             3     
2002 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Sponsor: Patricia W. Jones

             6      This act repeals and reenacts Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of Disabled Adult, of
             7      the Human Services Code. The act also amends the Utah Criminal Code. The act revises
             8      and clarifies the definition of certain terms and adds definitions for certain other terms. The
             9      act sets forth the purposes, powers, and duties of Adult Protective Services. The act modifies
             10      the mandatory reporting law and adds penalties for obstructing investigations and for
             11      threatening or intimidating reporters, victims, or witnesses. The act clarifies who may have
             12      access to reports and information in the possession of Adult Protective Services. The act
             13      provides that a vulnerable adult victim of exploitation has a private right of action against
             14      the perpetrator. The act clarifies provisions regarding various petitions that can be filed in
             15      district court by Adult Protective Services in behalf of vulnerable adults. The act clarifies
             16      that information and records relating to investigations by Adult Protective Services are
             17      protected records under Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management
             18      Act.
             19      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             20      AMENDS:
             21          62A-3-311.1, as last amended by Chapter 276, Laws of Utah 1999
             22          63-2-304, as last amended by Chapters 232 and 335, Laws of Utah 2000
             23          76-5-111, as last amended by Chapter 289, Laws of Utah 1997
             24      ENACTS:
             25          62A-3-313, Utah Code Annotated 1953


             26          62A-3-314, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             27          62A-3-315, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             28          62A-3-316, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             29          62A-3-317, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             30          62A-3-318, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             31          62A-3-319, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32          62A-3-320, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             33          62A-3-321, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             34      REPEALS AND REENACTS:
             35          62A-3-301, as last amended by Chapter 43, Laws of Utah 2001
             36          62A-3-302, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             37          62A-3-303, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             38          62A-3-304, as last amended by Chapter 43, Laws of Utah 2001
             39          62A-3-305, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             40          62A-3-306, as last amended by Chapter 39, Laws of Utah 1998
             41          62A-3-307, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             42          62A-3-308, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             43          62A-3-309, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             44          62A-3-311, as last amended by Chapters 130 and 248, Laws of Utah 1996
             45          62A-3-312, as last amended by Chapter 130, Laws of Utah 1996
             46      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             47          Section 1. Section 62A-3-301 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             48     
Part 3. Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults

             49           62A-3-301. Definitions.
             50          As used in this part:
             51          (1) "Abandonment" means any knowing or intentional action or inaction, including
             52      desertion, by a person or entity acting as a caretaker for a vulnerable adult that leaves the
             53      vulnerable adult without the means or ability to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical,
             54      or other health care.
             55          (2) "Abuse" means:
             56          (a) attempting to cause harm, intentionally or knowingly causing harm, or intentionally or


             57      knowingly placing another in fear of imminent harm;
             58          (b) unreasonable or inappropriate use of physical restraint, medication, or isolation that
             59      causes or is likely to cause harm to a vulnerable adult that is in conflict with a physician's orders
             60      or used as an unauthorized substitute for treatment, unless that conduct furthers the health and
             61      safety of the adult;
             62          (c) emotional or psychological abuse;
             63          (d) sexual offense as described in Title 76, Chapter 5, Offenses Against the Person; or
             64          (e) deprivation of life sustaining treatment, except:
             65          (i) as provided in Title 75, Chapter 2, Part 11, Personal Choice and Living Will Act; or
             66          (ii) when informed consent, as defined in Section 76-5-111 , has been obtained.
             67          (3) "Adult" means a person who is 18 years of age or older.
             68          (4) "Adult protection case file" means documents and information contained in the file
             69      maintained by Adult Protective Services on a particular case, including any report or other
             70      notification received by the division or Adult Protective Services.
             71          (5) "Adult Protective Services" means the unit within the division responsible to
             72      investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and provide appropriate protective
             73      services.
             74          (6) "Caretaker" means any person, entity, corporation, or public institution that assumes
             75      the responsibility to provide a vulnerable adult with care, food, shelter, clothing, supervision,
             76      medical or other health care, or other necessities. "Caretaker" includes a relative by blood or
             77      marriage, a household member, a person who is employed or who provides volunteer work, or a
             78      person who contracts or is under court order to provide care.
             79          (7) "Counsel" means an attorney licensed to practice law in this state.
             80          (8) "Elder abuse" means abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elder adult.
             81          (9) "Elder adult" means a person 65 years of age or older.
             82          (10) "Emergency" means a circumstance in which a vulnerable adult is at an immediate
             83      risk of death or serious physical injury or is at risk of immediate, serious harm. Risk of immediate,
             84      serious harm includes exploitation that results in the inability of a vulnerable adult to provide funds
             85      for immediate needs, including food, shelter, and necessary medical care.
             86          (11) "Emotional or psychological abuse" means intentional or knowing verbal or nonverbal
             87      conduct directed at a vulnerable adult including ridiculing, intimidating, yelling, swearing,


             88      threatening, isolating, coercing, harassing, or other forms of intimidating behavior that results or
             89      could result in the vulnerable adult suffering mental anguish or emotional distress, including fear,
             90      humiliation, degradation, agitation, confusion, or isolation.
             91          (12) "Exploitation" means the offense described in Subsection 76-5-111 (4).
             92          (13) "Harm" means pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, hurt, physical or
             93      psychological damage, physical injury, serious physical injury, suffering, or distress inflicted
             94      knowingly or intentionally.
             95          (14) "Intimidation” means communication through verbal or nonverbal conduct which
             96      threatens deprivation of money, food, clothing, medicine, shelter, social interaction, supervision,
             97      health care, or companionship, or which threatens isolation or abuse.
             98          (15) (a) "Isolation” means knowingly or intentionally preventing a vulnerable adult from
             99      having contact with another person by:
             100          (i) preventing the vulnerable adult from receiving visitors, mail, or telephone calls,
             101      contrary to the express wishes of the vulnerable adult, including communicating to a visitor that
             102      the vulnerable adult is not present or does not want to meet with or talk to the visitor, knowing that
             103      communication to be false;
             104          (ii) physically restraining the vulnerable adult in order to prevent the vulnerable adult from
             105      meeting with a visitor; or
             106          (iii) making false or misleading statements to the vulnerable adult in order to induce the
             107      vulnerable adult to refuse to receive communication from visitors or other family members.
             108          (b) The term "isolation" does not include an act intended to protect the physical or mental
             109      welfare of the vulnerable adult or an act performed pursuant to the treatment plan or instructions
             110      of a physician or other professional advisor of the vulnerable adult.
             111          (16) "Lacks capacity to consent" has the meaning as provided in Section 76-5-111 .
             112          (17) "Neglect" means:
             113          (a) (i) failure of a caretaker to provide nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, personal
             114      care, or dental, medical h , h or other health care; or
             115          (ii) failure to provide protection from health and safety hazards or maltreatment;
             116          (b) failure of a caretaker to provide care to a vulnerable adult in a timely manner and with
             117      the degree of care that a reasonable person in a like position would exercise;
             118          (c) a pattern of conduct by a caretaker, without the vulnerable adult's informed consent,


             119      resulting in deprivation of food, water, medication, health care, shelter, cooling, heating, or other
             120      services necessary to maintain the vulnerable adult's well being;
             121          (d) knowing or intentional failure by a caretaker to carry out a prescribed treatment plan
             122      that causes or is likely to cause harm to the vulnerable adult;
             123          (e) self-neglect by the vulnerable adult; or
             124          (f) abandonment by a caretaker.
             125          (18) "Physical injury” includes damage to any bodily tissue caused by nontherapeutic
             126      conduct, to the extent that the tissue must undergo a healing process in order to be restored to a
             127      sound and healthy condition, or damage to any bodily tissue to the extent that the tissue cannot be
             128      restored to a sound and healthy condition. h " h Physical injury h " h includes skin bruising, a
             128a      dislocation,
             129      physical pain, illness, impairment of physical function, a pressure sore, bleeding, malnutrition,
             130      dehydration, a burn, a bone fracture, a subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, injury to any
             131      internal organ, or any other physical condition that imperils the health or welfare of a vulnerable
             132      adult and is not a serious physical injury as defined in this section.
             133          (19) "Protected person" means a vulnerable adult for whom the court has ordered
             134      protective services, including a vulnerable adult for whom emergency protective services have
             135      been established under the provisions of this chapter.
             136          (20) "Protective services" means any services provided by Adult Protective Services to a
             137      vulnerable adult, either with the consent of the vulnerable adult or the vulnerable adult's guardian
             138      or conservator, or by court order, if that adult has been abused, neglected, exploited, or is in a state
             139      of self-neglect; protective services may include:
             140          (a) an intake system for receiving and screening reports;
             141          (b) investigation of referrals in accordance with statutory and policy guidelines;
             142          (c) protective needs assessment;
             143          (d) coordination and referral to community resources for services; or
             144          (e) short-term, limited services including emergency shelter or respite when family or other
             145      community resources are not available to provide protection.
             146          (21) "Self-neglect” means the failure of a vulnerable adult to provide food, water,
             147      medication, health care, shelter, cooling, heating, safety, or other services necessary to maintain
             148      the vulnerable adult's well being when that failure is the result of the adult's mental or physical
             149      impairment. Choice of lifestyle or living arrangements may not, by themselves, be evidence of


             150      self-neglect.
             151          (22) "Serious physical injury” has the meaning as provided in Section 76-5-111 .
             152          (23) "Substantiated" or "substantiation" means a finding, based upon a preponderance of
             153      the evidence, that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that abuse, neglect, or exploitation
             154      occurred, regardless of whether there is an identified perpetrator or current need for protective
             155      services. If more than one allegation is made or identified during the course of the investigation,
             156      any allegation determined to meet the criteria for substantiation requires a case finding of
             157      "substantiated."
             158          (24) "Undue influence” occurs when a person uses the person's role, relationship, or power
             159      to exploit, or knowingly assist or cause another to exploit, the trust, dependency, or fear of a
             160      vulnerable adult, or uses the person's role, relationship, or power to gain control deceptively over
             161      the decision making of the vulnerable adult.
             162          (25) "Unsubstantiated" means a finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that
             163      there is insufficient evidence to conclude that abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred.
             164          (26) "Vulnerable adult” means an elder adult, or an adult who has a mental or physical
             165      impairment which substantially affects that person's ability to:
             166          (a) provide personal protection;
             167          (b) provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or mental or other health care;
             168          (c) obtain services necessary for health, safety, or welfare;
             169          (d) carry out the activities of daily living;
             170          (e) manage the adult's own resources; or
             171          (f) comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in a situation of abuse, neglect,
             172      or exploitation.
             173          Section 2. Section 62A-3-302 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             174          62A-3-302. Purpose of Adult Protective Services Program.
             175          Adult Protective Services shall investigate or cause to be investigated reports of alleged
             176      abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults occurring in all settings and, where appropriate,
             177      shall provide short-term, limited protective services with the permission of the affected vulnerable
             178      adult or the guardian or conservator of the vulnerable adult. The division may promulgate rules
             179      and develop procedures and policies to be used in reporting incidents of abuse, neglect, or
             180      exploitation, and in investigating and providing protective services to the extent that funds are


             181      appropriated by the Legislature.
             182          Section 3. Section 62A-3-303 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             183          62A-3-303. Powers and duties of Adult Protective Services.
             184          In addition to all other powers and duties that Adult Protective Services is given under this
             185      part, Adult Protective Services:
             186          (1) shall have access to facilities licensed by or contracting with either the department or
             187      the Department of Health for the purpose of conducting investigations;
             188          (2) has authority to receive, upon request, written statements, documents, exhibits, and
             189      other items pertinent to an investigation including medical or financial records of a vulnerable
             190      adult who is the subject of an investigation when:
             191          (a) a release of information is provided by the vulnerable adult who does not lack capacity
             192      to consent; or
             193          (b) a vulnerable adult lacks the capacity to consent, and an administrative subpoena has
             194      been issued through Adult Protective Services;
             195          (3) has authority to institute proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to seek relief
             196      necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter;
             197          (4) has authority to require all persons, including family members of a vulnerable adult and
             198      any caretaker, to cooperate with Adult Protective Services in carrying out its duties under this
             199      chapter including conducting investigations and providing protective services;
             200          (5) may require all officials, agencies, departments, and political subdivisions of the state
             201      to assist and cooperate within their jurisdictional power with the court, the division, and Adult
             202      Protective Services in furthering the purposes of this chapter;
             203          (6) may conduct studies and compile data regarding abuse, neglect h , h and exploitation;
             203a      and
             204          (7) may issue reports and recommendations.
             205          Section 4. Section 62A-3-304 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             206          62A-3-304. Cooperation by caretaker.
             207          A caretaker, facility, or other institution may not use its own confidentiality standards as
             208      a basis for failure to:
             209          (1) report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult in accordance with this
             210      chapter;
             211          (2) cooperate with any Adult Protective Services investigation;


             212          (3) provide Adult Protective Services with access to records or documents relating to the
             213      vulnerable adult who is the subject of an investigation; or
             214          (4) provide evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to a vulnerable
             215      adult who is the subject of an investigation.
             216          Section 5. Section 62A-3-305 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             217          62A-3-305. Reporting requirements -- Immunity -- Violation -- Penalty.
             218          (1) Any person who has reason to believe that any vulnerable adult has been the subject
             219      of abuse, neglect, or exploitation shall immediately notify Adult Protective Services intake or the
             220      nearest law enforcement agency. When the initial report is made to law enforcement, law
             221      enforcement shall immediately notify Adult Protective Services intake. Adult Protective Services
             222      and law enforcement shall coordinate, as appropriate, their efforts to provide protection to the
             223      vulnerable adult.
             224          (2) When the initial report or subsequent investigation by Adult Protective Services
             225      indicates that a criminal offense may have occurred against a vulnerable adult, it shall notify the
             226      nearest local law enforcement agency. That law enforcement agency shall initiate an investigation
             227      in cooperation with Adult Protective Services.
             228          (3) Anyone who in good faith makes a report or otherwise notifies a law enforcement
             229      agency, the division, or Adult Protective Services of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation is
             230      immune from civil and criminal liability in connection with the report or other notification.
             231          (4) Any person who willfully fails to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of
             232      a vulnerable adult is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
             233          (5) Under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Section 76-8-508 , a person who
             234      threatens, intimidates, or attempts to intimidate a vulnerable adult who is the subject of a report,
             235      a witness, the person who made the report, or any other person cooperating with an investigation
             236      conducted pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
             237          (6) The physician-patient privilege does not constitute grounds for excluding evidence
             238      regarding a vulnerable adult's injuries, or the cause of those injuries, in any judicial or
             239      administrative proceeding resulting from a report made in good faith pursuant to this part.
             239a           h (7) AN ADULT IS NOT CONSIDERED ABUSED, NEGLECTED, OR A VULNERABLE ADULT
             239b      FOR THE REASON THAT THE ADULT HAS CHOSEN TO RELY SOLELY UPON RELIGIOUS,
             239c      NONMEDICAL FORMS OF HEALING IN LIEU OF MEDICAL CARE. h
             240          Section 6. Section 62A-3-306 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             241          62A-3-306. Anonymity of reporter.
             242          The identity of any person reporting or otherwise giving notice of allegations of abuse,


             243      neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult may not be released to any person other than
             244      employees of the division, except as provided in Section 62A-3-312 .
             245          Section 7. Section 62A-3-307 is enacted to read:
             246          62A-3-307. Photographing, video, and audio taping.
             247          In order to document or preserve information regarding the alleged abuse, neglect, or
             248      exploitation of a vulnerable adult, if the vulnerable adult consents or lacks capacity to consent law
             249      enforcement or Adult Protective Services investigators may take, or cause to be taken, photographs
             250      or video tape recordings of the trauma or injury visible on the vulnerable adult, or audio or video
             251      tape accounts of the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
             252          Section 8. Section 62A-3-308 is enacted to read:
             253          62A-3-308. Peace officers authority to transport.
             254          (1) A peace officer may remove and transport, or cause to have transported, a vulnerable
             255      adult to an appropriate medical or shelter facility, if the officer has probable cause to believe that
             256      by reason of abuse, neglect, or exploitation there exists emergency exigent circumstances and:
             257          (a) the vulnerable adult will suffer serious physical injury or death if not immediately
             258      placed in a safe environment;
             259          (b) the vulnerable adult refuses to consent or lacks capacity to consent; and
             260          (c) there is not time to notify interested parties or to apply for a warrant or other court
             261      order.
             262          (2) The peace officer shall notify Adult Protective Services within four hours of
             263      transporting a vulnerable adult to a medical or shelter facility. Adult Protective Services or the
             264      division shall file a petition with the court for an emergency protective order under Section
             265      62A-3-320 within 24 hours after being notified, not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal
             266      holidays.
             267          Section 9. Section 62A-3-309 is enacted to read:
             268           62A-3-309. Enforcement by division -- Duty of county or district attorney.
             269          (1) It is the duty of the county or district attorney, as appropriate under Sections 17-18-1 ,
             270      17-18-1.5 , and 17-18-1.7 , to assist and represent the division and to initiate legal proceedings to
             271      protect vulnerable adults and take appropriate action to prosecute the alleged offenders.
             272          (2) When the county or district attorney fails to act upon the request of the division to
             273      provide legal assistance within 30 days of the request, the division may request the attorney general


             274      to act and, in the attorney general's discretion, the attorney general may assume the responsibilities
             275      and carry the action forward in place of the county or district attorney.
             276          Section 10. Section 62A-3-311 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             277          62A-3-311. Requests for information.
             278          Requests for information contained in an adult protection case file shall be made in writing
             279      to Adult Protective Services. Requests should indicate the specific information requested and the
             280      reason for the request. Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 2, Government
             281      Records Access and Management Act, nothing may be released in response to a request except as
             282      provided in Section 62A-3-312 .
             283          Section 11. Section 62A-3-311.1 is amended to read:
             284           62A-3-311.1. Statewide data base -- Restricted use and access.
             285          (1) The division shall maintain a data base for reports of [disabled or elder] vulnerable
             286      adult abuse, neglect, [emotional or psychological abuse,] or exploitation made pursuant to this part.
             287          (2) The data base shall include:
             288          (a) the names and identifying data of the abused, neglected, or exploited adult and the
             289      reported abuser;
             290          (b) information regarding whether or not the abuse, [emotional or psychological abuse,]
             291      neglect, or exploitation was substantiated or unsubstantiated; and
             292          (c) any other information that may be helpful in furthering the purposes of this part, as
             293      determined by the division, subject to the restrictions of [Subsection 62A-3-311 (2)] Section
             294      62A-3-306 .
             295          (3) Information obtained from the data base may be used only for:
             296          (a) compiling statistical summaries that do not include names or other identifying data;
             297          (b) granting or denying licenses or other grants of privilege by the department where
             298      identification as a possible adult abuser may be relevant to the privilege in question, in accordance
             299      with Subsection (4);
             300          (c) investigation and action by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
             301      regarding registration of a health care assistant under Title 58, Chapter 62, Health Care Assistant
             302      Registration Act; and
             303          (d) licensing purposes by the Bureau of Licensing within the Department of Health, as
             304      provided for in Section 26-21-9.5 , in determining whether a person associated with a covered


             305      health care facility who provides direct care to [disabled or elder] vulnerable adults has a
             306      substantiated finding of [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation if
             307      identification as a possible perpetrator is relevant to the employment activities of that person.
             308          (4) (a) A license or privilege may not be denied under Subsection (3) solely on the basis
             309      of information in the data base.
             310          (b) Before a license or privilege may be denied under Subsection (3), the department
             311      taking the action shall conduct a review and provide the person making application for the license
             312      or privilege with notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b,
             313      Administrative Procedures Act.
             314          Section 12. Section 62A-3-312 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             315          62A-3-312. Access to information in data base.
             316          The records and information contained in the data base and the adult protection case file
             317      are protected records under Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and Management
             318      Act. However, notwithstanding the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access
             319      and Management Act, information and records contained in the data base and in the adult
             320      protection case file are not open to public inspection. Pertinent parts of the data base and the adult
             321      protection case file shall be made available to law enforcement agencies, the attorney general's
             322      office, h [ and county or district attorney's office, ] h and county or district attorney's offices and may
             322a      be
             323      made available, at the discretion of the division, to:
             324          (1) subjects of a report as follows:
             325          (a) a vulnerable adult named in a report as a victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or
             326      that adult's attorney or legal guardian; and
             327          (b) a person identified in a report as having abused, neglected, or exploited a vulnerable
             328      adult, or that person's attorney; and
             329          (2) persons involved in an evaluation or assessment of the vulnerable adult as follows:
             330          (a) an employee of the department who is responsible for the evaluation or assessment of
             331      an adult protection case file;
             332          (b) a multidisciplinary team approved by the division to assist Adult Protective Services
             333      in the evaluation, assessment, and disposition of a vulnerable adult case;
             334          (c) an authorized person or agency providing services to or responsible for the care,
             335      treatment, assessment, or supervision of a vulnerable adult named in the report as a victim, when


             336      in the opinion of the division that information will assist in the protection of or provide other
             337      benefits to the victim;
             338          (d) a licensing authority for a facility, program, or person providing care to a victim named
             339      in a report;
             340          (e) the person or entity that reported the abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as considered
             341      necessary on an individual case basis by the division; and
             342          (f) legally authorized protection and advocacy agencies when they represent a victim or
             343      have been requested by the division to assist on a case.
             344          Section 13. Section 62A-3-313 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             345          62A-3-313. Penalty for unauthorized release of information.
             346          Any person who willfully permits or aids and abets the release of any report, part of a
             347      report, or other information in violation of this part is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
             348          Section 14. Section 62A-3-314 is enacted to read:
             349          62A-3-314. Private right of action.
             350          (1) A vulnerable adult who suffers harm or financial loss as a result of exploitation has a
             351      private right of action against the perpetrator.
             352          (2) Upon the death of a vulnerable adult, any cause of action under this section shall
             353      constitute an asset of the estate of the vulnerable adult.
             354          Section 15. Section 62A-3-315 is enacted to read:
             355          62A-3-315. Protective services voluntary unless court ordered.
             356          (1) Vulnerable adults who receive protective services under this part shall do so knowingly
             357      or voluntarily or upon district court order.
             358          (2) Protective services may be provided without a court order for a vulnerable adult who
             359      does not lack capacity to consent and who requests or knowingly or voluntarily consents to those
             360      services. Protective services may also be provided for a vulnerable adult whose guardian or
             361      conservator with authority to consent does consent to those services. When short-term, limited
             362      protective services are provided, the division and the recipient, or the recipient's guardian or
             363      conservator, shall execute a written agreement setting forth the purposes and limitations of the
             364      services to be provided. If consent is subsequently withdrawn by the recipient, the recipient's
             365      guardian or conservator, or the court, services, including any investigation, shall cease.
             366          (3) The court may order protective services to be provided to a vulnerable adult who does


             367      not consent or who lacks capacity to consent to services in accordance with this part.
             368          Section 16. Section 62A-3-316 is enacted to read:
             369          62A-3-316. Costs incurred for the provision of protective services.
             370          Costs incurred in providing protective services are the responsibility of the vulnerable adult
             371      when:
             372          (1) the vulnerable adult is financially able to pay for those services, according to rates
             373      established by the division, and that payment is provided for as part of the written agreement for
             374      services described in Section 62A-3-315 ;
             375          (2) the vulnerable adult to be protected is eligible for those services from another
             376      governmental agency; or
             377          (3) the court appoints a guardian or conservator and orders that the costs be paid from the
             378      vulnerable adult's estate.
             379          Section 17. Section 62A-3-317 is enacted to read:
             380          62A-3-317. Venue for protective services proceedings.
             381          Venue for all proceedings for protective services under this chapter is in the county where
             382      the vulnerable adult resides or is present.
             383          Section 18. Section 62A-3-318 is enacted to read:
             384           62A-3-318. Petition by division for protective services.
             385          (1) If the division determines that a vulnerable adult is in need of protective services but
             386      lacks capacity to consent to protective services, the division may petition the district court for an
             387      order authorizing the division to provide protective services. The petition shall include:
             388          (a) the name, address, and age of the adult who is the subject of the petition;
             389          (b) the reasonably ascertainable names and addresses of the spouse, parents, adult children,
             390      and caretaker of the adult who is the subject of the petition;
             391          (c) the name and address of any court- appointed guardian or conservator for the adult;
             392          (d) specific facts sufficient to show that the subject of the petition is a vulnerable adult in
             393      need of protective services; and
             394          (e) specific facts sufficient to show that the vulnerable adult lacks capacity to consent.
             395          (2) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall set a date for hearing on the petition. At
             396      least ten days' notice of the petition and the hearing shall be given to the adult who is the subject
             397      of the petition and to each other person identified in Subsection (1)(b) or (c).


             398          (3) The notice shall be in plain language and large type, at least 14 font. The notice shall
             399      indicate the time and place of the hearing, the possible adverse consequences to the adult, and a
             400      list of rights as set forth in Subsections (4), (6), and (7). The petition and notice shall be served
             401      personally upon the adult who is the subject of the petition and upon the adult's spouse, caretaker,
             402      and parents if they can be found within the state. Notice to the spouse, caretaker, and parents, if
             403      they cannot be found within the state, and to other persons shall be given by first-class mail,
             404      postage prepaid.
             405          (4) The adult who is the subject of the petition shall have the right to be present at the
             406      hearing, unless the adult has knowingly and voluntarily waived the right to be present, or unless
             407      a licensed physician has certified that the adult is physically unable to attend. Waiver shall not be
             408      presumed by nonappearance of the adult, but shall be determined by the court on the basis of
             409      evidence provided to the court.
             410          (5) The adult who is the subject of the petition may be examined by a licensed physician
             411      appointed by the court, who shall submit a written report to the court. The adult may be
             412      interviewed by a visitor, as defined in Section 75-5-308 , appointed by the court, who shall submit
             413      a written report to the court. The visitor may also interview knowledgeable persons at the division
             414      and others who have knowledge of the adult who is the subject of the petition.
             415          (6) The adult who is the subject of the petition has the right to be represented by counsel
             416      at all proceedings before the court. Unless the adult has retained counsel, the court shall appoint
             417      counsel. The fees of the adult's counsel shall be paid by the adult who is the subject of the petition
             418      unless the adult is indigent in which case the division will pay the adult's reasonable attorneys fees.
             419          (7) The adult who is the subject of the petition is entitled to present evidence and to
             420      cross-examine witnesses, including any court-appointed physician and visitor. The issues may be
             421      determined at a closed hearing if the adult who is the subject of the petition so requests.
             422          (8) Nothing in this section limits proceedings under Title 75, Utah Uniform Probate Code.
             423          Section 19. Section 62A-3-319 is enacted to read:
             424           62A-3-319. Court order for protective services -- Review.
             425          (1) Only upon court order may involuntary protective services be provided to a vulnerable
             426      adult who lacks capacity to consent to services.
             427          (2) The court may order protective services if it is satisfied that the adult who is the subject
             428      of the petition under Section 62A-3-318 lacks capacity to consent to services and is in need of


             429      protective services. The court shall specifically state the purpose, extent, and limitations of the
             430      protective services, including specific findings of fact and conclusions of law. The court shall
             431      fashion any order so as to place the least possible restrictions on the rights of the vulnerable adult,
             432      consistent with the welfare, safety, and best interests of the adult.
             433          (3) Any party to the proceedings may petition the court for modification or dissolution of
             434      the order at any time upon a showing of a material change in circumstances. Any protected person
             435      has the right to petition the court for a rehearing within ten days after the date the order was
             436      entered.
             437          Section 20. Section 62A-3-320 is enacted to read:
             438           62A-3-320. Petition for emergency order.
             439          (1) Upon petition therefor, if the court finds that the subject of the petition is a vulnerable
             440      adult, that the adult has no court-appointed guardian or conservator or the guardian or conservator
             441      is not effectively performing the guardian's or conservator's duties, that an emergency exists, and
             442      that the welfare, safety, or best interests of the adult require immediate action, the court may,
             443      without notice, order appropriate protective services. The order shall specifically designate the
             444      protective services which are being approved, together with supporting facts.
             445          (2) Protective services authorized in an emergency order may not include hospitalization,
             446      nursing or custodial care, or a change in residence, unless the court specifically finds that the action
             447      is necessary and authorizes the specific protective services in the order.
             448          (3) Protective services shall be provided through an emergency order for a period not to
             449      exceed three business days, at which time the order shall expire unless a petition for guardianship,
             450      conservatorship, or other protective services has been filed. If a petition for guardianship,
             451      conservatorship, or other protective services is filed within the three-business-day period, the
             452      emergency order may be continued for as long as 15 days from the date the last petition was filed,
             453      to allow time for a hearing to determine whether the emergency order shall remain in effect.
             454          (4) In its emergency order, the court may appoint the petitioner or another interested
             455      person as temporary guardian, in accordance with Section 75-5-310 .
             456          (5) To implement an emergency order, the court may authorize forcible entry by a peace
             457      officer into the premises where the protected person is residing only upon a showing that voluntary
             458      access into the premises is not possible and that forcible entry is required.
             459          Section 21. Section 62A-3-321 is enacted to read:


             460           62A-3-321. Petition for injunctive relief when caretaker refuses to allow services.
             461          (1) When a vulnerable adult is in need of protective services and the caretaker refuses to
             462      allow the provision of those services, the division may petition the court for injunctive relief
             463      prohibiting the caretaker from interfering with the provision of protective services.
             464          (2) The division's petition under Subsection (1) shall allege facts sufficient to show that
             465      the vulnerable adult is in need of protective services, that the vulnerable adult either consents or
             466      lacks capacity to consent to those services, and that the caretaker refuses to allow the provision of
             467      those services or to order other appropriate relief.
             468          (3) The court may, on appropriate findings and conclusions in accordance with Rule 65A,
             469      Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, issue an order enjoining the caretaker from interfering with the
             470      provision of protective services.
             471          (4) The petition under Subsection (1) may be joined with a petition under Section
             472      62A-3-318 or Section 62A-3-320 .
             473          Section 22. Section 63-2-304 is amended to read:
             474           63-2-304. Protected records.
             475          The following records are protected if properly classified by a governmental entity:
             476          (1) trade secrets as defined in Section 13-24-2 if the person submitting the trade secret has
             477      provided the governmental entity with the information specified in Section 63-2-308 ;
             478          (2) commercial information or nonindividual financial information obtained from a person
             479      if:
             480          (a) disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to result in unfair
             481      competitive injury to the person submitting the information or would impair the ability of the
             482      governmental entity to obtain necessary information in the future;
             483          (b) the person submitting the information has a greater interest in prohibiting access than
             484      the public in obtaining access; and
             485          (c) the person submitting the information has provided the governmental entity with the
             486      information specified in Section 63-2-308 ;
             487          (3) commercial or financial information acquired or prepared by a governmental entity to
             488      the extent that disclosure would lead to financial speculations in currencies, securities, or
             489      commodities that will interfere with a planned transaction by the governmental entity or cause
             490      substantial financial injury to the governmental entity or state economy;


             491          (4) records the disclosure of which could cause commercial injury to, or confer a
             492      competitive advantage upon a potential or actual competitor of, a commercial project entity as
             493      defined in Subsection 11-13-3 (3);
             494          (5) test questions and answers to be used in future license, certification, registration,
             495      employment, or academic examinations;
             496          (6) records the disclosure of which would impair governmental procurement proceedings
             497      or give an unfair advantage to any person proposing to enter into a contract or agreement with a
             498      governmental entity, except that this subsection does not restrict the right of a person to see bids
             499      submitted to or by a governmental entity after bidding has closed;
             500          (7) records that would identify real property or the appraisal or estimated value of real or
             501      personal property, including intellectual property, under consideration for public acquisition before
             502      any rights to the property are acquired unless:
             503          (a) public interest in obtaining access to the information outweighs the governmental
             504      entity's need to acquire the property on the best terms possible;
             505          (b) the information has already been disclosed to persons not employed by or under a duty
             506      of confidentiality to the entity;
             507          (c) in the case of records that would identify property, potential sellers of the described
             508      property have already learned of the governmental entity's plans to acquire the property; or
             509          (d) in the case of records that would identify the appraisal or estimated value of property,
             510      the potential sellers have already learned of the governmental entity's estimated value of the
             511      property;
             512          (8) records prepared in contemplation of sale, exchange, lease, rental, or other
             513      compensated transaction of real or personal property including intellectual property, which, if
             514      disclosed prior to completion of the transaction, would reveal the appraisal or estimated value of
             515      the subject property, unless:
             516          (a) the public interest in access outweighs the interests in restricting access, including the
             517      governmental entity's interest in maximizing the financial benefit of the transaction; or
             518          (b) when prepared by or on behalf of a governmental entity, appraisals or estimates of the
             519      value of the subject property have already been disclosed to persons not employed by or under a
             520      duty of confidentiality to the entity;
             521          (9) records created or maintained for civil, criminal, or administrative enforcement


             522      purposes or audit purposes, or for discipline, licensing, certification, or registration purposes, if
             523      release of the records:
             524          (a) reasonably could be expected to interfere with investigations undertaken for
             525      enforcement, discipline, licensing, certification, or registration purposes;
             526          (b) reasonably could be expected to interfere with audits, disciplinary, or enforcement
             527      proceedings;
             528          (c) would create a danger of depriving a person of a right to a fair trial or impartial hearing;
             529          (d) reasonably could be expected to disclose the identity of a source who is not generally
             530      known outside of government and, in the case of a record compiled in the course of an
             531      investigation, disclose information furnished by a source not generally known outside of
             532      government if disclosure would compromise the source; or
             533          (e) reasonably could be expected to disclose investigative or audit techniques, procedures,
             534      policies, or orders not generally known outside of government if disclosure would interfere with
             535      enforcement or audit efforts;
             536          (10) records the disclosure of which would jeopardize the life or safety of an individual;
             537          (11) records the disclosure of which would jeopardize the security of governmental
             538      property, governmental programs, or governmental recordkeeping systems from damage, theft, or
             539      other appropriation or use contrary to law or public policy;
             540          (12) records that, if disclosed, would jeopardize the security or safety of a correctional
             541      facility, or records relating to incarceration, treatment, probation, or parole, that would interfere
             542      with the control and supervision of an offender's incarceration, treatment, probation, or parole;
             543          (13) records that, if disclosed, would reveal recommendations made to the Board of
             544      Pardons and Parole by an employee of or contractor for the Department of Corrections, the Board
             545      of Pardons and Parole, or the Department of Human Services that are based on the employee's or
             546      contractor's supervision, diagnosis, or treatment of any person within the board's jurisdiction;
             547          (14) records and audit workpapers that identify audit, collection, and operational
             548      procedures and methods used by the State Tax Commission, if disclosure would interfere with
             549      audits or collections;
             550          (15) records of a governmental audit agency relating to an ongoing or planned audit until
             551      the final audit is released;
             552          (16) records prepared by or on behalf of a governmental entity solely in anticipation of


             553      litigation that are not available under the rules of discovery;
             554          (17) records disclosing an attorney's work product, including the mental impressions or
             555      legal theories of an attorney or other representative of a governmental entity concerning litigation;
             556          (18) records of communications between a governmental entity and an attorney
             557      representing, retained, or employed by the governmental entity if the communications would be
             558      privileged as provided in Section 78-24-8 ;
             559          (19) personal files of a legislator, including personal correspondence to or from a member
             560      of the Legislature, but not correspondence that gives notice of legislative action or policy;
             561          (20) (a) records in the custody or control of the Office of Legislative Research and General
             562      Counsel, that, if disclosed, would reveal a particular legislator's contemplated legislation or
             563      contemplated course of action before the legislator has elected to support the legislation or course
             564      of action, or made the legislation or course of action public; and
             565          (b) for purposes of this h [ subsection ] SUBSECTION (20) h , a "Request For Legislation"
             565a      submitted to the Office of
             566      Legislative Research and General Counsel is a public document unless a legislator submits the
             567      "Request For Legislation" with a request that it be maintained as a protected record until such time
             568      as the legislator elects to make the legislation or course of action public;
             569          (21) research requests from legislators to the Office of Legislative Research and General
             570      Counsel or the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst and research findings prepared in response
             571      to these requests;
             572          (22) drafts, unless otherwise classified as public;
             573          (23) records concerning a governmental entity's strategy about collective bargaining or
             574      pending litigation;
             575          (24) records of investigations of loss occurrences and analyses of loss occurrences that
             576      may be covered by the Risk Management Fund, the Employers' Reinsurance Fund, the Uninsured
             577      Employers' Fund, or similar divisions in other governmental entities;
             578          (25) records, other than personnel evaluations, that contain a personal recommendation
             579      concerning an individual if disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
             580      privacy, or disclosure is not in the public interest;
             581          (26) records that reveal the location of historic, prehistoric, paleontological, or biological
             582      resources that if known would jeopardize the security of those resources or of valuable historic,
             583      scientific, educational, or cultural information;


             584          (27) records of independent state agencies if the disclosure of the records would conflict
             585      with the fiduciary obligations of the agency;
             586          (28) records of a public institution of higher education regarding tenure evaluations,
             587      appointments, applications for admissions, retention decisions, and promotions, which could be
             588      properly discussed in a meeting closed in accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and Public
             589      Meetings, provided that records of the final decisions about tenure, appointments, retention,
             590      promotions, or those students admitted, may not be classified as protected under this section;
             591          (29) records of the governor's office, including budget recommendations, legislative
             592      proposals, and policy statements, that if disclosed would reveal the governor's contemplated
             593      policies or contemplated courses of action before the governor has implemented or rejected those
             594      policies or courses of action or made them public;
             595          (30) records of the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst relating to budget analysis,
             596      revenue estimates, and fiscal notes of proposed legislation before issuance of the final
             597      recommendations in these areas;
             598          (31) records provided by the United States or by a government entity outside the state that
             599      are given to the governmental entity with a requirement that they be managed as protected records
             600      if the providing entity certifies that the record would not be subject to public disclosure if retained
             601      by it;
             602          (32) transcripts, minutes, or reports of the closed portion of a meeting of a public body
             603      except as provided in Section 52-4-7 ;
             604          (33) records that would reveal the contents of settlement negotiations but not including
             605      final settlements or empirical data to the extent that they are not otherwise exempt from disclosure;
             606          (34) memoranda prepared by staff and used in the decision-making process by an
             607      administrative law judge, a member of the Board of Pardons and Parole, or a member of any other
             608      body charged by law with performing a quasi-judicial function;
             609          (35) records that would reveal negotiations regarding assistance or incentives offered by
             610      or requested from a governmental entity for the purpose of encouraging a person to expand or
             611      locate a business in Utah, but only if disclosure would result in actual economic harm to the person
             612      or place the governmental entity at a competitive disadvantage, but this section may not be used
             613      to restrict access to a record evidencing a final contract;
             614          (36) materials to which access must be limited for purposes of securing or maintaining the


             615      governmental entity's proprietary protection of intellectual property rights including patents,
             616      copyrights, and trade secrets;
             617          (37) the name of a donor or a prospective donor to a governmental entity, including a
             618      public institution of higher education, and other information concerning the donation that could
             619      reasonably be expected to reveal the identity of the donor, provided that:
             620          (a) the donor requests anonymity in writing;
             621          (b) any terms, conditions, restrictions, or privileges relating to the donation may not be
             622      classified protected by the governmental entity under this Subsection (37); and
             623          (c) except for public institutions of higher education, the governmental unit to which the
             624      donation is made is primarily engaged in educational, charitable, or artistic endeavors, and has no
             625      regulatory or legislative authority over the donor, a member of his immediate family, or any entity
             626      owned or controlled by the donor or his immediate family;
             627          (38) accident reports, except as provided in Sections 41-6-40 , 41-12a-202 , and 73-18-13 ;
             628          (39) a notification of workers' compensation insurance coverage described in Section
             629      34A-2-205 ; [and]
             630          (40) the following records of a public institution of education, which have been developed,
             631      discovered, or received by or on behalf of faculty, staff, employees, or students of the institution:
             632      unpublished lecture notes, unpublished research notes and data, unpublished manuscripts, creative
             633      works in process, scholarly correspondence, and confidential information contained in research
             634      proposals. Nothing in this Subsection (40) shall be construed to affect the ownership of a
             635      record[.]; and
             636          (41) information contained in the data base described in Section 62A-3-311.1 .
             637          Section 23. Section 76-5-111 is amended to read:
             638           76-5-111. Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult -- Penalties.
             639          (1) As used in this section:
             640          (a) "Abandonment” means a knowing or intentional action or inaction, including desertion,
             641      by a person or entity acting as a caretaker for a vulnerable adult that leaves the vulnerable adult
             642      without the means or ability to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical or other health
             643      care.
             644          [(a)] (b) "Abuse" means:
             645          (i) attempting to cause harm, [or] intentionally or knowingly causing [physical] harm, or


             646      intentionally or knowingly placing another in fear of imminent harm;
             647          [(ii) placing another in fear of imminent physical harm;]
             648          [(iii)] (ii) causing physical injury [caused] by knowing or intentional acts or omissions;
             649          [(iv) unlawful detention or unreasonable confinement;]
             650          [(v) gross lewdness; or]
             651          (iii) unreasonable or inappropriate use of physical restraint, medication, or isolation that
             652      causes or is likely to cause harm to a vulnerable adult that is in conflict with a physician's orders
             653      or used as an unauthorized substitute for treatment, unless that conduct furthers the health and
             654      safety of the adult; h OR h
             655          [(vi)] (iv) deprivation of life-sustaining treatment, except:
             656          (A) as provided in Title 75, Chapter 2, Part 11, Personal Choice and Living Will Act; or
             657          (B) when informed consent, as defined in this section, has been obtained.
             658          [(b)] (c) "Business relationship" means a relationship between two or more individuals or
             659      entities where there exists an oral or written agreement for the exchange of goods or services.
             660          [(c) ] (d) "Caretaker" means any person[, corporation, or public institution that has
             661      assumed by relationship, contract, or court order], entity, corporation, or public institution that
             662      assumes the responsibility to provide a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult with care, food, shelter,
             663      clothing, supervision, medical or other health care, or other necessities. "Caretaker" includes a
             664      relative by blood or marriage, a household member, a person who is employed or who provides
             665      volunteer work, or a person who contracts or is under court order to provide care.
             666          [(d)] (e) "Deception" means:
             667          (i) a misrepresentation or concealment:
             668          (A) of a material fact relating to services rendered, disposition of property, or use of
             669      property intended to benefit a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult;
             670          (B) of the terms of a contract or agreement entered into with a [disabled or elder]
             671      vulnerable adult; or
             672          (C) relating to the existing or preexisting condition of any property involved in a contract
             673      or agreement entered into with a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult; or
             674          (ii) the use or employment of any misrepresentation, false pretense, or false promise in
             675      order to induce, encourage, or solicit a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult to enter into a contract
             676      or agreement.


             677          [(e) "Disabled adult" means a person 18 years of age or older who is impaired because of
             678      mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, or other cause to the extent that the
             679      person lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make or communicate informed decisions
             680      concerning his person, or is unable to care for his own personal safety or provide necessities such
             681      as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care, without which physical injury or illness may occur. A
             682      person who is, in good faith, under treatment solely of a spiritual means, through prayer, in
             683      accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination, and by
             684      an accredited practitioner thereof, shall not be considered a disabled adult for that reason alone.]
             685          (f) "Elder adult" means a person [who is] 65 years of age or older.
             686          (g) "Endeavor" means to attempt or try.
             687          (h) "Exploitation" means the offense described in Subsection (4).
             688          (i) "Harm" means pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, hurt, physical or psychological
             689      damage, physical injury, suffering, or distress inflicted knowingly or intentionally.
             690          [(h)] (j) "Informed consent" means:
             691          (i) a written expression by the person or authorized by the person, stating that [he] the
             692      person fully understands the potential risks and benefits of the withdrawal of food, water,
             693      medication, medical services, shelter, cooling, heating, or other services necessary to maintain
             694      minimum physical or mental health, and that [he] the person desires that the services be
             695      withdrawn. A written expression is valid only if the person is of sound mind when the consent is
             696      given, and the consent is witnessed by at least two individuals who do not benefit from the
             697      withdrawal of services; or
             698          (ii) consent to withdraw food, water, medication, medical services, shelter, cooling,
             699      heating, or other services necessary to maintain minimum physical or mental health, as permitted
             700      by court order.
             701          [(i)] (k) "Intimidation" means communication [by word or act to a disabled or elder adult
             702      that he will be deprived] conveyed through verbal or nonverbal conduct which threatens
             703      deprivation of money, food, clothing, medicine, shelter, social interaction, supervision, [or medical
             704      services, or that he will suffer physical violence] health care, or companionship, or which threatens
             705      isolation or harm.
             706          (l) (i) "Isolation” means knowingly or intentionally preventing a vulnerable adult from
             707      having contact with another person by:


             708          (A) preventing the vulnerable adult from receiving visitors, mail, or telephone calls,
             709      contrary to the express wishes of the vulnerable adult, including communicating to a visitor that
             710      the vulnerable adult is not present or does not want to meet with or talk to the visitor, knowing that
             711      communication to be false;
             712          (B) physically restraining the vulnerable adult in order to prevent the vulnerable adult from
             713      meeting with a visitor; or
             714          (C) making false or misleading statements to the vulnerable adult in order to induce the
             715      vulnerable adult to refuse to receive communication from visitors or other family members.
             716          (ii) The term "isolation" does not include an act intended to protect the physical or mental
             717      welfare of the vulnerable adult or an act performed pursuant to the treatment plan or instructions
             718      of a physician or other professional advisor of the vulnerable adult.
             719          [(j)] (m) "Lacks capacity to consent" means an impairment by reason of mental illness,
             720      developmental disability, organic brain disorder, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs,
             721      chronic intoxication, short-term memory loss, or other cause to the extent that a [disabled or elder]
             722      vulnerable adult lacks sufficient understanding of the nature or consequences of decisions
             723      concerning [his] the adult's person or property.
             724          [(k)] (n) "Neglect" means:
             725          (i) [the] failure of a caretaker to provide [habilitation, care,] nutrition, clothing, shelter,
             726      supervision, [or medical] personal care, or dental or other health care, or failure to provide
             727      protection from health and safety hazards or maltreatment; [or]
             728          (ii) failure of a caretaker to provide care to a vulnerable adult in a timely manner and with
             729      the degree of care that a reasonable person in a like position would exercise;
             730          [(ii)] (iii) a pattern of conduct by a caretaker, without the [disabled or elder] vulnerable
             731      adult's informed consent, resulting in deprivation of food, water, medication, [medical services]
             732      health care, shelter, cooling, heating, or other services necessary to maintain [minimum physical
             733      or mental health.] the vulnerable adult's well being;
             734          (iv) intentional failure by a caretaker to carry out a prescribed treatment plan that results
             735      or could result in physical injury or physical harm; or
             736          (v) abandonment by a caretaker.
             737          [(l)] (o) "Physical injury" [means the impairment of physical condition and includes any]
             738      includes damage to any bodily tissue caused by nontherapeutic conduct, to the extent that the tissue


             739      must undergo a healing process in order to be restored to a sound and healthy condition, or damage
             740      to any bodily tissue to the extent that the tissue cannot be restored to a sound and healthy
             741      condition. "Physical injury" includes skin bruising, a dislocation, physical pain, illness,
             742      impairment of physical function, a pressure [sores] sore, bleeding, malnutrition, dehydration,
             743      [burns] a burn, a bone fracture, a subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, injury to any internal
             744      organ, or any other physical condition that imperils the health or welfare of the [disabled or elder]
             745      vulnerable adult and [that] is not a serious physical injury as defined in this section.
             746          [(m)] (p) "Position of trust and confidence" means the position of a person who:
             747          (i) is a parent, spouse, adult child, or other relative by blood or marriage of a [disabled or
             748      elder] vulnerable adult;
             749          (ii) is a joint tenant or tenant in common with a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult;
             750          (iii) has a legal or fiduciary relationship with a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult,
             751      including a court-appointed or voluntary guardian, trustee, attorney, or conservator; or
             752          (iv) is a caretaker of a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult.
             753          [(n)] (q) "Serious physical injury" means any physical injury or set of physical injuries that:
             754          (i) seriously impairs a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult's health;
             755          (ii) was caused by use of a dangerous weapon as defined in Section 76-1-601 ;
             756          (iii) involves physical torture or causes serious emotional harm to a [disabled or elder]
             757      vulnerable adult; or
             758          (iv) [creates] creates a reasonable risk of death.
             759          [(o)] (r) "Sexual exploitation" means the production, distribution, possession, or
             760      possession with the intent to distribute material or a live performance depicting a nude or partially
             761      nude [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult who lacks the capacity to consent, for the purpose of
             762      sexual arousal of any person.
             763          (s) "Undue influence” occurs when a person uses the person's role, relationship, or power
             764      to exploit, or knowingly assist or cause another to exploit, the trust, dependency, or fear of a
             765      vulnerable adult, or uses the person's role, relationship, or power to gain control deceptively over
             766      the decision making of the vulnerable adult.
             767          (t) "Vulnerable adult” means an elder adult, or an adult 18 years of age or older who has
             768      a mental or physical impairment which substantially affects that person's ability to:
             769          (i) provide personal protection;


             770          (ii) provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical or other health care;
             771          (iii) obtain services necessary for health, safety, or welfare;
             772          (iv) carry out the activities of daily living;
             773          (v) manage the adult's own resources; or
             774          (vi) comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in a situation of abuse, neglect,
             775      or exploitation.
             776          (2) Under any circumstances likely to produce death or serious physical injury, any person,
             777      including a caretaker, who causes a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult to suffer serious physical
             778      injury or, having the care or custody of a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult, causes or permits that
             779      adult's person or health to be injured, or causes or permits a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult
             780      to be placed in a situation where [his] the adult's person or health is endangered, is guilty of the
             781      offense of aggravated abuse of a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult as follows:
             782          (a) if done intentionally or knowingly, the offense is a second degree felony;
             783          (b) if done recklessly, the offense is third degree felony; and
             784          (c) if done with criminal negligence, the offense is a class A misdemeanor.
             785          (3) Under circumstances other than those likely to produce death or serious physical injury
             786      any person, including a caretaker, who causes a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult to suffer
             787      [physical injury] harm, abuse, or neglect[,]; or, having the care or custody of a [disabled or elder]
             788      vulnerable adult, causes or permits that adult's person or health to be injured, abused, or neglected,
             789      or causes or permits a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult to be placed in a situation where [his]
             790      the adult's person or health is endangered, is guilty of the offense of abuse of a [disabled or elder]
             791      vulnerable adult as follows:
             792          (a) if done intentionally or knowingly, the offense is a class A misdemeanor;
             793          (b) if done recklessly, the offense is a class B misdemeanor; and
             794          (c) if done with criminal negligence, the offense is a class C misdemeanor.
             795          (4) (a) A person commits the offense of exploitation of a [disabled or elder] vulnerable
             796      adult when the person:
             797          (i) is in a position of trust and confidence, or has a business relationship, with the [disabled
             798      or elder] vulnerable adult or has undue influence over the vulnerable adult and knowingly, by
             799      deception or intimidation, obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, the [disabled or elder]
             800      vulnerable adult's funds, credit, assets, or other property with the intent to temporarily or


             801      permanently deprive the [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult of the use, benefit, or possession of
             802      [his] the adult's property, for the benefit of someone other than the [disabled or elder] vulnerable
             803      adult;
             804          (ii) knows or should know that the [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult lacks the capacity
             805      to consent, and obtains or uses, or endeavors to obtain or use, or assists another in obtaining or
             806      using or endeavoring to obtain or use, the [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult's funds, assets, or
             807      property with the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the [disabled or elder] vulnerable
             808      adult of the use, benefit, or possession of his property for the benefit of someone other than the
             809      [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult;
             810          (iii) unjustly or improperly uses or manages the resources of a [disabled or elder]
             811      vulnerable adult for the profit or advantage of someone other than the [disabled or elder]
             812      vulnerable adult;
             813          (iv) unjustly or improperly uses a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult's power of attorney
             814      or guardianship for the profit or advantage of someone other than the [disabled or elder] vulnerable
             815      adult;
             816          (v) involves a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult who lacks the capacity to consent in the
             817      facilitation or furtherance of any criminal activity; or
             818          (vi) commits sexual exploitation of a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult.
             819          (b) A person is guilty of the offense of exploitation of a [disabled or elder] vulnerable adult
             820      as follows:
             821          (i) if done intentionally or knowingly and the aggregate value of the resources used or the
             822      profit made is or exceeds $5,000, the offense is a second degree felony;
             823          (ii) if done intentionally or knowingly and the aggregate value of the resources used or the
             824      profit made is less than $5,000 or cannot be determined, the offense is a third degree felony;
             825          (iii) if done recklessly, the offense is a class A misdemeanor; or
             826          (iv) if done with criminal negligence, the offense is a class B misdemeanor.
             827          (5) It does not constitute a defense to a prosecution for any violation of this section that
             828      the accused did not know the age of the victim.
             828a           h (6) AN ADULT IS NOT CONSIDERED ABUSED, NEGLECTED, OR A VULNERABLE ADULT
             828b      FOR THE REASON THAT THE ADULT HAS CHOSEN TO RELY SOLELY UPON RELIGIOUS,
             828c      NONMEDICAL FORMS OF HEALING IN LIEU OF MEDICAL CARE. h


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