(a) To protect the welfare of the alleged vulnerable adult the local department shall begin a thorough investigation: (1) within 5 working days after the receipt of the report of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation; or (2) within 24 hours after the receipt of the report of suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation if the report indicates that an emergency exists. (b) The investigation shall include: (1) a determination of whether: (i) the individual is a vulnerable adult; and (ii) there has been abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation; and (2) if the individual is determined to be a vulnerable adult and to have suffered abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation: (i) a determination of the nature, extent, and cause of the abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation; (ii) a determination of the identity of the person or persons responsible for the abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation; (iii) an evaluation of the home environment; and (iv) a determination of any other pertinent facts. (c) (1) On request by the local department, the local State's Attorney or the appropriate law enforcement agency shall assist in the investigation. (2) As appropriate, the local office on aging or the Department of Aging, local geriatric evaluation service, or any other public or private agency, including a fiduciary institution, providing services or care to the alleged vulnerable adult or whose information or expertise may be of assistance in assessing risk or planning services may assist in the investigation on the request by the local department. (3) As appropriate in an investigation, the local department may request the assistance of a federal law enforcement officer, as defined in § 2-104 of the Criminal Procedure Article. (4) Any agencies set out in this subsection may jointly agree to cooperative arrangements for investigation. (d) An investigation under this section shall be completed within: (1) 60 days; or (2) 10 days if the report indicates that an emergency exists. (e) Parties participating in an investigation may share pertinent client information relevant to the investigation.
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