House amends and advances bill to align adult protective services with federal rule

Representative Noyes, speaking for the Human Services Committee, presented H.582 during second reading, saying the bill updates Vermont law to comply with a new federal rule that requires states to include caregiver negligence as a form of maltreatment in adult protective-service (APS) programs. "A new federal rule requires that all states' APS programs include caregiver negligence as a form of maltreatment," Noyes said, and the committee worked with the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living and stakeholders to reach compromise language.

The bill clarifies the distinction between neglect and negligence, excludes self-neglect from the statutory definition of neglect, and preserves the decision-making rights of vulnerable adults when they make choices that others may disagree with. It also corrects an appeals timeline for the Human Services Board to ensure due process while aligning with the Board's capacity.

Committee testimony included the deputy chief counsel from Legislative Council, the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living leadership, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Vermont Legal Aid and the Vermont Health Care Association. The Human Services Committee voted 10–1 in favor of the measure as amended and urged the full House to support it.

On the floor the committee's amendment was adopted by voice vote and third reading was ordered.

Next steps: H.582 will return to the House calendar for third reading and further floor action.