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Abuse, Neglect or Financial Exploitation

Reporting for Vulnerable Adults Living in the Community or in Assisted Living Homes/Facilities:

To report the abuse, neglect, self-neglect or the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult call 240-777-3000 (24 Hour Service).   A vulnerable adult is an individual over age 18 who lacks the physical and/or mental capacity to provide for their daily needs and is at-risk in the community   You will speak with a Social Worker about your concern that a vulnerable adult is being mistreated.  Your report is confidential and can be made anonymously.  Any person who in good faith makes a report is immune from any civil liability.   Health practitioners, police officers, and human services workers are required to notify Adult Protective Services if they have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation.

Reporting for Nursing Home Residents:

To report abuse of a nursing home resident first call the Police Department at 301-279-8000 (24 Hour Service).  Then call either the Long Term Care Ombudsman at 240-777-3369 or Licensing and Regulatory Services at 240-777-3832 (Mon.-Fri. – 8:30 am to 5:00 pm).   To report neglect of a nursing home resident call either Licensing and Regulatory Services at 240-777-3832 or the Long Term Care Ombudsman at 240-777-3369 (Mon.-Fri. - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm).   To report the financial exploitation of a nursing home resident call Adult Protective Services at 240-777-3000 (24 Hour Service).

Reporting for Adults with a Developmental Disability Residing in a Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Funded Program:

To report psychological/physical, sexual abuse, seclusion and/or unauthorized/inappropriate use of restraints, violation of civil rights, inhumane treatment call the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene/Office of Health Care Quality 410-402-8100 (V).

Definitions:

Abuse:  The sustaining of any physical injury by a vulnerable adult as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or a result of a malicious act.   Neglect:  The willful deprivation of adequate food, clothing, essential medical treatment, shelter or supervision of a vulnerable adult.    Self-Neglect:  The inability of a vulnerable adult to provide services that are necessary for their physical and mental health; the absence of which impairs or threatens their well being.   Exploitation:  Any action which involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult’s funds, property or person.

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