Bill passes to protect vulnerable adults

Bill requires mandatory reporting in cases of abuse of vulnerable adults

Teresa Simpson, Whitman County Gazette | Apr 20, 20230

COLFAX –– Governor Jay Inslee signed a measure Thursday, April 6, sponsored by Senator Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, to improve adult protective services.

The Bill requires the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and law enforcement to share information in reports and findings of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect of vulnerable adults.

According to the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, they have had seven cases of elderly abuse between 2021 and 2023.

“Of these cases, one was possible physical abuse, the other cases neglect or possible financial abuse,” A...