N.Y. Elder Law § 261: Guidelines for identifying and reporting suspected self neglect, abuse and maltreatment

§ 261. Guidelines for identifying and reporting suspected self

neglect, abuse and maltreatment. The director, in conjunction with the

commissioner of the department of health and the commissioner of the

office of children and family services, shall develop guidelines to

assist healthcare providers and others working in healthcare settings to

identify suspected self neglect, abuse and maltreatment of an older

adult. Such guidelines may be tailored to specific healthcare providers

or industries and shall include, but shall not be limited to:

1. Common signs and symptoms of self neglect, abuse and maltreatment;

2. Screening questions and tools that can be used during a visit to

help detect whether self neglect or abuse and maltreatment may be

occurring;

3. Training materials for distribution to healthcare providers and

others working in healthcare settings regarding appropriate

interventions and suggestions for discussing the possibility of self

neglect, abuse and maltreatment with older adults; and

4. Information regarding options for reporting suspected cases of self

neglect or abuse and maltreatment and available resources for older

adult victims.