§ Â 3903. Establishment of protective services system.

(a) The Secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of the adult protective services program.

(b) The Department shall provide protective services according to the regulations promulgated by the Secretary. In doing so, the Department may contract with another agency for the provision of services, or it may provide directly the protective services.

(c) The Department shall utilize, to the extent possible, the resources of a public or private agency which is appropriate and available in providing protective services.

(d) The Department shall designate 5 individuals as the initial staff to deliver protective services, as follows:

(1) One individual of at least the primary family service specialist level as the overall supervisor of the protective services program.

(2) Three individuals of at least the senior family service specialist level, to function throughout the State.

(3) One family service specialist.

(e) [Repealed.]

(f) The Department shall make continuing provisions in each county for the shelter of an individual who is determined to be in temporary need of protection under § 3905, § 3906, or § 3907 of this title. In providing continuing provisions, the Department may do any of the following:

(1) Utilize existing resources, such as a state institution.

(2) Contract for bed space in a private facility.

(3) Utilize the resources of a family care and residential home for an alleged victim not requiring medical care.

(g) The Department may make provisions for securing emergency food, clothing, fuel allotments, and funds for an individual determined to be in need of protection under § 3905, § 3906, or §  3907 of this title, insofar as the services are not available from another state-supported program. To the extent that funds are available for this purpose, the Department may draw upon the funds budgeted to provide emergency services as needed and, where possible, reimbursement must be made to the Department for the services provided which amounts shall revert to the General Fund of the State.

(h) When the Department receives a report concerning an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, the Department shall begin an investigation into the report within the following timeframes:

(1) For a report that includes an allegation of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or self-neglect, within 1 business day.

(2) For a report that includes an allegation of emotional abuse or neglect, within 3 business days.

(3) For a report that includes an allegation of exploitation, within 5 business days.

(i) The Department shall conduct ongoing training programs for relevant staff to advance the purpose of this chapter.

(j) The Department shall continuously publicize the existence of both of the following:

(1) The 24-hour report-line for those who are required to report abuse or neglect under § 3910 of this title.

(2) The 24-hour, statewide, toll-free telephone number for the public to report abuse or neglect.