Elder or dependent adult abuse.

Existing law authorizes any victim of elder or dependent adult abuse to refuse or withdraw consent at any time for an investigation or the provision of protective services by an adult protective services agency or long-term care ombudsman program, as specified. This bill would, when the alleged victim of elder or dependent adult abuse has a personal representative, as defined, who is the alleged abuser, require the adult protective services agency or long-term care ombudsman to proceed with an investigation as if the alleged victim has provided consent. The bill would require an investigation to be reported to the local law enforcement agency that has a primary investigative role. By increasing the investigative and reporting duties of local governments, this bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.