5-015.05C Information Gathered

473 NAC 5-015.05C

When an individual makes a report to the local APS unit or any other unit within a local social services office, the individual receiving the report shall -

1. Obtain as much of the following information as possible:

a. Name, address, type of living arrangement, and age of each allegedly abused/neglected adult;

b. Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of interested individuals, if any (e.g., caretaker, guardian, or relative);

c. Name and address of each alleged perpetrator;

d. The nature and extent of the abuse/neglect or the conditions and circumstances which would reasonably result in such abuse/ neglect;

e. Any knowledge of previous abuse/neglect; and

f. Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant;

2. Determine whether the referral source has contacted the Abuse/Neglect Hotline or the law enforcement agency. If not, inform the referral source that the local unit will notify the law enforcement agency;

3. Complete Form DSS-1650A, "Adult Abuse/Neglect Referral Form," (see 473-000-120) and route it to law enforcement;

4. Inform the referral source that his/her report will be forwarded to the local APS unit (if the unit receiving the report is another local office or another unit within the local office);

5. Inform the referral source that the local APS unit investigating the alleged abuse/neglect report may need to later contact him/her to clarify or obtain information concerning the incident;

6. Inform the referral source that his/her identity will be kept confidential and may be released only -

a. To law enforcement officials;

b. As a result of judicial proceeding involving the report;

c. As ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

d. To the Department of Health, if the report concerns a licensed facility; and

7. Inform the local APS service unit (if the unit receiving the report is another local office or another unit within the local office) by telephone immediately of the receipt of the report. Follow the referral with Form ASD-19, "Client Referral," listing all pertinent information concerning the alleged abuse/neglect report. The local APS unit shall acknowledge the receipt of the referral by initialing Form ASD-19 and by returning one copy to the referring local office.

Note: All reports are handled identically whether the reporter's identity is known or not.