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H 582

An act relating to adult protective services

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Noyes

The bill tightens the neglect definition, streamlines licensed-context reporting to licensing bodies and APS, and accelerates relief hearings for alleged perpetrators.

House message: Governor approved bill on May 18, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 582

Summary: H.582 (2025-2026) – An act relating to adult protective services (Vermont)

Purpose and intent

  • Modernize and clarify protections for vulnerable adults in Vermont by updating definitions and reporting pathways related to neglect.
  • Improve the handling of substantiated neglect cases involving licensed facilities, licensed individuals, or licensing entities, ensuring appropriate reporting to the proper authorities.
  • Adjust the timeline and procedures for relief requests to the Vermont Human Services Board when an alleged perpetrator challenges a substantiated neglect finding.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definition of neglect (33 V.S.A. § 6902)

    • The bill refines the definition to cover purposeful, knowing, or reckless failures or omissions by a caregiver that could cause physical or psychological harm.
    • Specific caregiver duties highlighted include:
      • Providing or arranging necessary goods and services (food, clothing, medicine, shelter, supervision, medical services) to maintain health and safety.
      • Reasonable efforts to protect the vulnerable adult from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by others.
      • Carrying out an approved plan of care, unless constrained by the vulnerable adult’s wishes, representative, or advance directive.
      • Reporting significant changes in health status to a physician, nurse, or supervisor (in organized personal care settings).
    • Self-neglect is explicitly excluded from the definition of neglect.
    • The actions of a caregiver or fiduciary are not considered neglect when acting according to the vulnerable adult’s wishes, the representative’s direction, or pursuant to an advance directive.
    • Defines related terms: “Report,” “Reporter,” “Representative,” and “Fiduciary.”

  2. Reporting structure to licensing entities (33 V.S.A. § 6904)

    • General reports of neglect go to the Commissioner or designee with required identifying and situational information.
    • For neglect within licensed facilities/programs or by licensed individuals, reports must be made to the relevant licensing entity:
      • Facility or program neglect: to the appropriate state licensing unit.
      • Neglect by a licensed individual: to the Office of Professional Regulation or the Board of Medical Practice, as applicable.
    • If a licensing entity identifies neglect, the entity must report the matter to Adult Protective Services (APS).

  3. Relief process for alleged perpetrators (33 V.S.A. § 6906)

    • If a report against an alleged perpetrator is substantiated, the perpetrator may apply to the Human Services Board for relief from the finding that it is unsubstantiated.
    • The Board must conduct a fair hearing under 3 V.S.A. § 3091.
    • Priority and expedited timelines apply:
      • Expedited hearing provided not later than 30 to 90 calendar days after notice of substantiation (the bill provides a range, subject to amendment).
      • The hearing officer must issue written findings and a recommendation within 30 days after the hearing.
    • These timelines may be adjusted if the Commissioner agrees.

Affected parties and entities

  • Vulnerable adults who are recipients of care and protection services.
  • Caregivers, including paid staff and fiduciaries (guardians, trustees, agents under powers of attorney, representative payees) who may be responsible for care, reporting, or following care plans.
  • Licensees and staff of licensed facilities/programs, and licensed individuals (e.g., professionals regulated by professional boards).
  • State agencies and licensing boards (e.g., Office of Professional Regulation, Board of Medical Practice, relevant licensing units).
  • The Vermont Human Services Board, which handles relief petitions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Expedited hearing timelines introduced for relief petitions after substantiation (faster review relative to standard procedures).
  • Reports of neglect in licensed contexts are funneled to appropriate licensing entities, then to APS if identified by the licensing entity.

Net impact

The bill aims to tighten and harmonize neglect definitions, streamline reporting pathways to licensing and protective services, and shorten dispute resolution timelines for alleged perpetrators, thereby potentially accelerating protective actions and accountability for neglect of vulnerable adults in Vermont.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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