Issues with vulnerable adults that include possible neglect or abuse are mandated by law to be reported by the provider that has the concern. The proper agencies to report said cases are:
For adults at a private residence: contact Washington County Adult Protective Services at 240-420-2155.
For adults at a skilled or assisted nursing facility: Contact the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Quality. health.maryland.gov/ohcq/Pages/home.aspx Follow this link and click on the “file a complaint” option to the left.
For adults at facilities for the disabled (example: ARC group homes, living sands frontier, etc): contact the Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration. The current employee handling these reports can be emailed at [email protected] Their website link can be found at health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/home.aspx
For added protection, you may also always call the appropriate jurisdiction law enforcement agency to make a report. Remember, document who you notify in your emeds report for continuity of patient care as well as evidence of patient advocacy.
Melanie Higgins, BS, NRP Captain
– EMS Quality Assurance Division of Emergency Services
16232 Elliott Parkway Williamsport, MD 21795
(cell) 301-491-2454