Scope and Purpose

(1) 651 CMR 5.00. (a) establishes criteria and procedures for the Department to designate, re-designate, or terminate the designation of Protective Services Agencies; (b) sets forth the basis for determining those instances in which Abuse may or must be reported to the Department or its designated Protective Services Agencies; (c) specifies the manner in which reports of Abuse must be made; and (d) specifies the action which must be taken when receiving, investigating, and/or otherwise responding to such reports, including the provision of Protective Services to Elders who are determined to have been Abused. (2) 651 CMR 5.00 reflects the program's philosophy of recognizing an Elder's right to self-determination and attempts to balance individual autonomy with the mandate to provide protection. Throughout Protective Services Investigation and service provision, the Elder shall be involved to the greatest feasible extent in decisions which affect the Elder. Services will be provided with the consent of the Elder and with the least possible intrusion into the life of the Elder with the intention of providing protection from Abuse or the risk of Abuse.