Laws current as of August 1, 2024
What is the legal definition of a vulnerable adult?
A vulnerable adult is defined by law as a person who:
- is 60 years old or older and does not have the functional, mental, or physical ability to care for himself/herself;
- has been found by a judge to be incapacitated section 11.130.265 or section 11.130.360 of Washington law;
- has a developmental disability as defined by law;
- was admitted to any facility;
- is receiving services from home health, hospice, or home care agencies licensed or required to be licensed under Chapter 70.127 of Washington law;
- is receiving services from an individual provider; or
- self-directs his/her own care and receives services from a personal aide under Chapter 74.39 of Washington law.1
1 R.C.W. §§ 74.34.020(21); 7.105.010(37)