2022 Wyoming Statutes
Title 35 - Public Health and Safety
Chapter 20 - Adult Protective Services
Section 35-20-103 - Reports of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Intimidation or Abandonment of Vulnerable Adult; Reports Maintained in Central Registry.

35-20-103. Reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, intimidation or abandonment of vulnerable adult; reports maintained in central registry.

(a) Any person or agency who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is being or has been abused, neglected, exploited, intimidated or abandoned or is committing self neglect shall report the information immediately to a law enforcement agency or the department. Anyone who in good faith makes a report pursuant to this section is immune from civil liability for making the report.

(b) The report may be made orally or in writing. The report shall provide to law enforcement or the department the following, to the extent available:

(i) The name, age and address of the vulnerable adult;

(ii) The name and address of any person responsible for the vulnerable adult's care;

(iii) The nature and extent of the vulnerable adult's condition;

(iv) The basis of the reporter's knowledge;

(v) The names and conditions of the other residents, if the vulnerable adult resides in a facility with other vulnerable adults;

(vi) An evaluation of the persons responsible for the care of the residents, if the vulnerable adult resides in a facility with other vulnerable adults;

(vii) The adequacy of the facility environment;

(viii) Any evidence of previous injuries;

(ix) Any collaborative information; and

(x) Any other relevant information.

(c) After receipt of a report that a vulnerable adult is suspected of being or has been abused, neglected, exploited, intimidated or abandoned or is committing self neglect, the department shall notify law enforcement and may request assistance from appropriate health or mental health agencies.

(d) If a law enforcement officer determines that a vulnerable adult is abused, neglected, exploited, intimidated or abandoned, or is committing self neglect, he shall notify the department concerning the potential need of the vulnerable adult for protective services.

(e) Any report or notification to the department that a vulnerable adult is, or is suspected of being, abused, neglected, exploited, intimidated or abandoned, or is committing self neglect, shall be investigated, a determination shall be made whether protective services are necessary and, whether an individual instruction exists under W.S. 35-22-401 through 35-22-416. If determined necessary, protective services shall be furnished by the department within three (3) days from the time the report or notice is received by the department. The investigation may include a visit to the facility in which the vulnerable adult resides and an interview with the vulnerable adult.

(f) Each substantiated report of abuse, neglect, exploitation, intimidation or abandonment of a vulnerable adult pursuant to this act shall be entered and maintained within the central registry of vulnerable adult protection cases under W.S. 35-20-115.