Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 1417 into law in late 2024. AB 1417 alters the mandatory reporting obligations in California for alleged, suspected, or known elder or dependent adult abuse in long-term care facilities.
Mandated reporters are required to report suspected abuse or neglect by phone as soon as possible and follow up with a completed written report (see link below for form) within two days.
When calling to report elder abuse, it is essential to include the facts of the abuse that you noticed or witnessed. This may include specific incidents or behaviors that indicate mistreatment or harm to the elderly person.
State law requires that mandated reporters immediately report cases of suspected abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult to Adult Protective Services (APS). Emergencies: Call 911 if an elder or dependent adult is in immediate physical danger. Non-urgent, online reports: Submit a referral on reporttoaps.
In California, elder abuse charges can lead to the following: A fine of $2,500 or to six-digit values. Imprisonment in county jail (for misdemeanors) Incarceration in state prison (for felonies)
Mandated Report Forms: Form SOC 341 must be completed and signed by the mandated reporter. When Do Mandated Reporters Make Their Reports? Immediately or as soon as possible by telephone, followed by a written report or Internet report through the confidential Internet reporting tool within two (2) working days.
In California, elders are defined as persons 60 years and older. Under California law, elder abuse can be both criminal and civil. Civil law defines elder abuse as physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment resulting in harm, pain or mental suffering to an elder.
If the elder abuse you perceive is suspicious activity related to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), you may also want to contact the California Department of Health Care Services IHSS Fraud Hotline at (800) 822-6222; you can make your report anonymously over the phone or by email.
California. Adult Protective Service Agency: call (833) 401-0832 or visit the APS website for a list of county APS contacts.
Learn 5 Ways to Help Prevent Elder Abuse Learn the signs. Be on the lookout for physical and emotional abuse, as well as signs of financial abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Prevent isolation. Call or visit your loved ones and check on them regularly. Provide information. Be a friend. Spread the message.