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22 M.R.S. §3477 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation (Adult Protective Services Act)

MainestatuteMaine Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Aging and Disability Services / Adult Protective Services)

What this rule requires your agency to do

  • 1The caregiver/provider must immediately report to the Department when the person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that an incapacitated or dependent adult has been or is likely to be abused, neglected or exploited. (22 M.R.S. §3477(1))(22 M.R.S. §3477 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation (Adult Protective Services Act))
  • 2The provider must ensure covered mandated-reporter professionals complete Department-approved mandated reporter training at least once every 4 years. (22 M.R.S. §3477(1-A))(22 M.R.S. §3477 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation (Adult Protective Services Act))
  • 3The provider must ensure that any person who has assumed full, intermittent or occasional responsibility for the care or custody of an incapacitated or dependent adult reports as a mandated reporter. (22 M.R.S. §3477(1)(A))(22 M.R.S. §3477 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation (Adult Protective Services Act))
  • 4The caregiver/provider must follow the immediate telephone report with a written report to the Department within 48 hours if requested by the Department. (22 M.R.S. §3477(1))(22 M.R.S. §3477 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation (Adult Protective Services Act))
  • 5The provider must ensure unlicensed assistive personnel serving incapacitated or dependent adults report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation. (22 M.R.S. §3477(1)(A))(22 M.R.S. §3477 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation (Adult Protective Services Act))

Applies to: personal care, home care, home health caregivers and unlicensed assistive personnel serving incapacitated or dependent adults

Maine's Adult Protective Services Act requires enumerated professionals and caregivers — including home health/personal care staff, unlicensed assistive personnel, and any person who has assumed responsibility for the care or custody of an incapacitated or dependent adult — to immediately report to the Department when they know or have reasonable cause to suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation. A written report must follow within 48 hours if requested, and covered professionals must complete department-approved mandated reporter training at least once every 4 years.

Regulatory information, not legal advice — always confirm against the cited official source. Verification reduces error; it does not certify compliance.