Adult Protective Services Laws

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have laws in effect authorizing the provision of adult protective services (APS) in cases of elder abuse.

Adult protection laws vary widely from state to state

• The age at or circumstances under which a victim is eligible to receive protective services; the definition of abuse
• Types of abuse, neglect and exploitation that are covered
• Classification of the abuse as criminal or civil
• Reporting (mandatory or voluntary)
• Investigation responsibility and procedures
• Remedies for abuse

Some state APS laws only apply to vulnerable citizens who are living alone or with family what is called “domestic abuse”. Some go further to protect individuals who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities (“institutional abuse”).

For an analysis of various state laws pertaining to APS, please visit the 'Analysis of State APS Laws' portion of this website Analysis of State Adult Protective Services Laws.