DHHS, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services carries out the legal requirements of the Protective Services to Adults Law.  The purpose of the law, which is civil and not criminal, is to provide protection for incapacitated adults who are abused, neglected, exploited, or self-neglecting.

In carrying out its legal requirements, the Adult Protection Program often seeks information pursuant to an investigation of reported abuse or neglect.  The release of this information in no way violates the HIPAA.  "HIPAA does not prohibit the release of this type of information to the Department of Health and Human Services, Adult Protection Program."