Abuse of elderly and disabled adults; Protective Services for the Vulnerable Adults Act; definition; persons required to report; investigation and reporting; Oklahoma's Protection and Advocacy System; Nursing Home Care Act; liability; waivers; reports; effective date.

HB 1835 amends Oklahoma's definitions in the Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act to clarify protections for elderly and disabled adults who cannot care for themselves due to disability or incapacity. The bill specifically defines key terms like "abuse" (including physical, sexual, and financial harm), "exploitation," "neglect," and "personal degradation" (including restrictions on misuse of electronic images). It updates reporting requirements for caretakers and service providers, ensuring consistent definitions across the Nursing Home Care Act and Protection and Advocacy System. This bill directly affects vulnerable adults, their caretakers, and oversight agencies by standardizing how abuse and neglect are identified and reported.