Administrative Manual

Section: Policy

Policy Number: 3.03

ADULT ABUSE, NEGLECT, EXPLOITATION OR ENDANGERMENT

Objective:To provide guidelines for Covenant HealthCare System employees at the time that they identify or suspect adult abuse, neglect, exploitation or endangerment, in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the organization, and the standards of professional, accrediting, and regulatory agencies.

Scope: All staff of Covenant HealthCare System.

Policy:Adult Protective Services, (APS) as required by Act No. 519, Public Act of 1982, requires certain professionals and other employees in the fields of health care, mental health, social work, law enforcement, education and other human services to report suspected cases of adult abuse, neglect, exploitation or endangerment to the Department of Social Services.  Adult abuse/neglect includes non-accidental physical or mental injury, exploitation, neglect or endangerment of a vulnerable adult.

When there is a suspicion of adult abuse or neglect, the Health Care Professional will immediately file a report to Adult Protective Services (APS), a part of the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS).

Social Worker(s) will be available to assist with reporting abuse or neglect and will follow up with assigned APS worker. 

• Mandated APS reporting is initiated for the following situations:

• Types of Abuse
  • Abuse:  Any harm or threatened harm to an adult’s health or welfare caused by another person.  This includes non-accidental physical injury, mental injury, sexual abuse, or maltreatment.
  • Neglect:  Any harm to an adult’s health or welfare caused by the conduct of a person responsible for the adult care.  This includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter or medical care.  Self-neglect is also included.
  • Exploitation:  Any action which involves the misuse of an adult funds, property, or personal dignity by another person.
  • Endangerment:  A life-threatening situation caused by the inability of the person whose life is threatened to respond.
  • Vulnerable:  A condition in which an adult is unable to protect him/herself from harm, described above, because of a physical or mental impairment or because of advanced age (over 65).

Approval:

_______________________________________________March, 2016

Beth Charlton – Vice President Patient Services/CNO               Date

_______________________________________________March, 2016

Daniel George – Executive Vice President/OperationsDate

_______________________________________________March, 2016

James Hines, MD – Chief of StaffDate

Resources for Survivors of Abuse/Neglect and Violence

Advocacy for Victims of Abuse or Mistreatment

If you are abused, you have the right to report and expect an investigation of abuse or neglect committed against you or someone you know.  Similarly, if you feel you have been abused, neglected or mistreated while in a licensed or certified facility or program you have rights to be protected and have your complaint investigated.  This information is being provided to you to help know where you can go to file a complaint or get help to investigate abuse or mistreatment.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT……THEN CALL THE NUMBER BELOW

• CHILD OR ADULT ABUSE BY FAMILY OR CAREGIVER
  • Child or Adult Protective Services
    • Call: 1-855-444-3911

• PROBLEM WITH COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
  • Office of Recipient Rights:
    • In Saginaw, call: 797-3452
    • State Office of RR: 1-800-854-9090

• MISTREATMENT IN ADULT FOSTER CARE, CHILD FOSTER CARE, ASSISTED LIVING
  • Bureau of Family Services Complaint Hot Line
    • Statewide (toll-free): 1-866-856-0126

• MISTREATMENT IN LICENSED FACILITY INCLUDING EXTENDED CARE FACILITY, HOSPITAL, HOSPICE PROGRAM, DIALYSIS PROGRAM, FREE-STANDING SURGICAL CENTER, COUNTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY OR PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
  • Consumer and Industry Services Complaint Hot Line
    • Statewide (toll-free): 1-800-882-6006

• MISTREATMENT OR COMPLAINT REGARDING NURSING HOME (EXT. CARE FACILITY)
  • Michigan Ombudsman’s Office (also known as “Citizens for Better Care”)
    • In Saginaw area: 746-9216
    • Statewide (toll-free): 1-800-292-7852

• ELDER ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND MEDICAID FRAUD
  • Michigan Department of Attorney General
    • Statewide (toll-free): 1-800-242-2873

• ABUSE/ MISTREATMENT OF PERSON WITH DISABILITIES
  • Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services
    • Statewide (toll-free):1-800-288-5923

HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT:

Contact the appropriate organization and be specific as possible about the time, place, names, witnesses and actions of the abuser.  You should file a complaint in writing whenever possible and keep a copy for your files. If you’re not sure who to call, most Investigative Programs will refer you to the appropriate program if they feel you need a different organization than their service. If you have questions or need help, ask your social worker or call an advocacy program such as “Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service” (above).