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39-1443. Same; investigation of reports; coordination and cooperation between agencies. (a) The Kansas department for children and families and law enforcement officers shall have the duty to receive and investigate reports of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation for the purpose of determining whether the report is valid and whether action is required to protect the adult from further abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. If the department and such officers determine that no action is necessary to protect the adult but that a criminal prosecution should be considered, the department and such law enforcement officers shall make a report of the case to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

(b) (1) When a report of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation indicates that there is serious physical injury to or serious deterioration or sexual abuse or financial exploitation of the adult and that action may be required to protect the adult, the investigation may be conducted as a joint effort between the Kansas department for children and families and the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies, with a free exchange of information between such agencies.

(2) Upon completion of the investigation by the law enforcement agency, a full report shall be provided to the Kansas department for children and families.

(c) If a dispute develops between agencies investigating a reported case of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, the appropriate county or district attorney shall take charge of, direct and coordinate the investigation.

(d) Any investigation by a law enforcement agency involving a facility subject to licensing or regulation by the secretary of health and environment shall be reported promptly to the secretary of health and environment, upon conclusion of the investigation or sooner if such report does not compromise the investigation.

(e) Law enforcement agencies and the Kansas department for children and families shall assist each other in taking action that is necessary to protect the adult regardless of which party conducted the initial investigation.

History: L. 2003, ch. 91, § 1; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 174; L. 2021, ch. 81, § 8; July 1.