Ariz. Admin. Code § R6-8-206 - Investigation

Reports Accepted for Evaluation and Investigation:

1. In alleged life-threatening situations, the APS worker shall refer the reporting source or initiate contact with:

a. Local law enforcement authorities,

b. Paramedics, or

c. An emergency medical team.

2. When an APS worker investigates a situation that may present a danger to the APS worker or client, the APS worker may ask law enforcement authorities to participate in the investigation either at the time of the report or upon arrival at the scene.

3. An APS worker shall visit a person who may be in need of adult protective services within the following established time-frames:

a. Priority 1. The APS worker shall initiate an assessment within one business day following a report of a qualifying problem with an imminent and substantial risk of life-threatening harm.

b. Priority 2. The APS worker shall initiate an assessment within two business days following a report of a qualifying problem with aggravating circumstances.

c. Priority 3. The APS worker shall initiate assessment within five business days following a report of a qualifying problem with mitigating or no aggravating circumstances.

4. The APS worker shall investigate, determine, and document in the record whether:

a. The allegations are proposed for substantiation,

b. The client needs services,

c. The client will accept services,

d. The client appears able to provide informed consent for the provision of services,

e. The Department needs to request an outside mental health assessment, or

f. The Department needs to file for a special visitation warrant.

5. To make the assessment described in subsection (A)(4), the APS worker shall consider all relevant circumstances regarding the client, which may include the following:

a. The client's appearance,

b. Identifying information,

c. Financial information,

d. Existing protective arrangements,

e. Physical status including any disabilities,

f. Medications,

g. Medical history,

h. Mental status,

i. Functional status,

j. Behavioral status,

k. Social environment,

l. Physical environment,

m. Nutrition,

n. Services provided by other resources,

o. The client's perception of the situation, and

p. The perception of the client's situation by:

i. Family,

ii. Neighbors,

iii. Caregivers,

iv. Friends, or

v. Other concerned parties.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R6-8-206

R6-8-206 recodified from A.A.C. R6-5-5606 effective February 13, 1996 (Supp. 96-1). Former Section R6-8-206 repealed, new Section R6-8-206 adopted effective August 21, 1996 (Supp. 96-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 18 A.A.R. 2716, effective December 2, 2012 (Supp. 12-4).