Functions and Responsibilities of the Department

(1) The Department shall, subject to appropriation, maintain a state-wide Protective Services Program to receive reports of the Abuse of Elders, which shall be accessible on a 24 hour per day, seven day per week basis. Further, the Department shall, subject to appropriation, develop a coordinated system of Protective Services for Elders suffering from a Reportable Condition(s) pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19A, § 16. (2) Subject to appropriation, the responsibilities of the Department shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) Create and maintain the operational ability to receive reports of Abuse of Elders on a 24 hour per day, seven day per week basis; (b) Designate, re-designate and terminate Protective Services Agencies; (c) Coordinate and manage the Protective Services Program; (d) Adopt rules and regulations for the Protective Services Program; (e) Monitor the effectiveness of the Protective Services Program and conduct evaluative research about it; (f) Utilize grants from federal, state, and other public and private sources to support the Protective Services Program; (g) Receive reports of Abuse of Elders and refer such reports to Protective Services Agencies for screening, Investigation, and implementation of a Service Plan, where appropriate; (h) Seek Protective Orders, as appropriate, in accordance with 651 CMR 5.16 and 5.17; (i) Contract with Protective Services Agencies and other organizations and individuals, as appropriate, to implement the Protective Services Program; (j) Appoint Department regional managers who are responsible for program development, monitoring, technical assistance, training, and clinical consultation; (k) Publicize and provide education to statewide and national organizations regarding the Protective Services Program; (l) Perform all other functions necessary for the administration of the Protective Services Program.