1.5 Safeguarding Legislation and Rights of Vulnerable Adults

There are specific rights granted to vulnerable adults in U.S. law and the state of Minnesota.

The Minnesota Vulnerable Adults Act requires reporting alleged maltreatment of vulnerable adults to government agencies. These also include investigation of abuse claims and protecting vulnerable adults.

The Act was first enacted in 1980 and has gone through numerous amendments. It aims to provide protection, safety, support, and appropriate health care to vulnerable adults.

The law goes over those who qualify as vulnerable adults, personnel who are required or permitted to report vulnerable adult abuse or maltreatment, and defines what constitutes maltreatment, abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.