52:27D-411. Determination of need for protective services; referrals

6. a. If a determination is made by the county adult protective services provider that there is reasonable cause to believe that the vulnerable adult has been the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation, the county adult protective services provider shall determine the need for protective services. If the vulnerable adult or his legal guardian consents, the county adult protective services provider shall provide or arrange for appropriate protective services, as may be available. The county adult protective services provider shall also make formal referrals to State, county, and local agencies, hospitals and organizations, including county offices on aging for clients age 60 and over, for services which the county adult protective services provider is unable to provide directly. The county protective services provider shall follow up on referrals to determine whether services are being provided.

b. A county protective services provider may refer a person who needs protective services and who, because of a developmental disability or mental illness, is in need of specialized care, treatment or services, to the Division of Developmental Disabilities or the Division of Mental Health and Hospitals in the Department of Human Services, as appropriate. These divisions shall consider referrals from the county adult protective services providers on a priority basis and assist in providing the specialized services needed to protect abused, neglected, or exploited vulnerable adults, including those 60 years and over.

L.1993,c.249,s.6.