The Minnesota Vulnerable Adult Act identifies the basic protections for adults who may be vulnerable in Minnesota.
A vulnerable adult is someone 18 years of age or older who:
- Is a resident or patient of a facility (for example an Intensive Residential Treatment program).
- Is a recipient of services at or from a program required to be licensed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A, Human Services Licensing.
- Receives services from a home care provider required to be licensed.
- Is unable or unlikely to report maltreatment without assistance because of impairment of mental or physical function or emotional status, regardless of residence.
This does not mean that all recipients of MH-TCM services are vulnerable adults.
Hopefully, all people who witness or suspect maltreatment will report the abuse. However, mandated reporters are a special group required to report suspected maltreatment. Case managers are mandated reporters.
A mandated reporter in Minnesota Statues 626.5572, Definitions, Subd. 16 in general is an individual while engaged in social work, law enforcement and education, the care of vulnerable adults, health-related services licensed by state boards, vocational rehabilitation, licensed facilities, personal care assistant; medical examiners or coroners.