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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
adult protective services; audit; appropriation
Purpose
Requires the Auditor General (OAG) to engage an independent consultant with expertise in Adult Protective Services (APS) to examine current services and consider best practices to improve APS in Arizona.
Background
The OAG provides an independent financial, performance and compliance audit capability in support of legislative oversight and public accountability of funds administered by the state and certain local governments.
APS is a program within the Division of Aging and Adult Services at the Department of Economic Security that is responsible for receiving reports of abused, exploited or neglected vulnerable adults (A.R.S. § 46-451).
H.B. 2409 appropriates $300,000 from the state General Fund (state GF) in FY 2022 to the OAG.
Provisions
1. Requires the OAG to, with an independent consultant with expertise in APS operations and investigations, examine the current APS and consider best practices to improve APS in Arizona.
2. Requires the OAG and independent consultant's examination of APS to include:
a) developing a strategic direction that ensures the safety of vulnerable adults and establishes protocols for services after an investigation;
b) creating accountability mechanisms;
c) strategies for community engagement that include engagement with families, vulnerable adults and service providers; and
d) the need for and frequency of regular, periodic performance evaluations and the recommended areas for future review of APS by an independent outside evaluator.
3. Requires the OAG, in the decision to enter a contract with an independent consultant, to consider:
a) the consultant's history of working with states or counties in evaluating operations for APS;
b) the satisfaction of the states or counties with the work of the consultant;
c) the knowledge of the consultant's staff or contractors in APS reform and operations;
d) the consultant's knowledge of related laws governing APS; and
e) the consultant's knowledge of evidence-based and promising best practices in APS.
4. Requires the independent consultant, by July 1, 2022, to submit a report of its work, including findings and recommendations to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of House of Representatives, Chairperson of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults and provide a copy to the Secretary of State.
5. Appropriates $300,000 from the state GF in FY 2022 to the OAG for the purposes of this legislation.
6. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
7. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
HHS 2/8/21 DP 9-0-0-0
APPROP 2/10/21 DP 12-0-0-1
3rd Read 2/24/21 55-4-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 5, 2021
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