Input Needed: Proposed Regulations for Adult Protective Services Programs
ACL is seeking input on a proposed rule to establish the first-ever federal regulations for adult protective services (APS) programs. Instructions for submitting comments and registering for an informational webinar can be found on ACL.gov and at the bottom of this announcement.APS programs across the country support older adults and adults with disabilities who experience, or who are at risk of, abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. APS programs investigate reports of maltreatment; conduct case planning, monitoring, and evaluation; and provide, or connect people who have experienced maltreatment to, a variety of medical, social service, economic, legal, housing, law enforcement, and other protective, emergency, or support services to help them recover. Over the past decade, ACL has led federal efforts to support the critical work of APS programs through a variety of initiatives.
First-Ever Federal Regulations for APS
- Establishes a set of national standards for the operation of APS programs that all state APS systems must meet. These standards formalize — and build upon — the existing National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems.
- Establishes common definitions for the national APS system to improve information sharing, data collection, and standardization between and within states.
- Requires state APS systems to develop policies and procedures, consistent with state law, for coordination and sharing of information to facilitate investigations with other entities, such as state law enforcement agencies and state Medicaid agencies.
- Requires state policies and procedures to be person-directed and based on concepts of least restrictive alternatives.
- Establishes requirements for data collection, retention, and reporting.
- Establishes requirements for mandatory staff training and ongoing education on core competencies for APS staff and supervisors.
We have created a fact sheet with highlights of key provisions of the rule, and the full text of the proposed rule can be found on the Federal Register website.
Input Needed