Sec. 2. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), as used in this chapter, “endangered adult” means an individual who is:

(1) at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) incapable by reason of mental illness, intellectual disability, dementia, habitual drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, or other physical or mental incapacity of managing or directing the management of the individual’s property or providing or directing the provision of self-care; and

(3) harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:

(A) neglect;

(B) a battery offense included in IC 35-42-2; or

(C) exploitation of the individual’s personal services or property.

     (b) For purposes of IC 12-10-3-17, IC 35-42-2-1, IC 35-42-2-1.3, and IC 35-46-1-13, “endangered adult” means an individual who is:

(1) at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(2) incapable by reason of mental illness, intellectual disability, dementia, or other physical or mental incapacity of managing or directing the management of the individual’s property or providing or directing the provision of self-care; and

(3) harmed or threatened with harm as a result of:

(A) neglect; or

(B) battery.

     (c) An individual is not an endangered adult solely:

(1) for the reason that the individual is being provided spiritual treatment in accordance with a recognized religious method of healing instead of specified medical treatment if the individual would not be considered to be an endangered adult if the individual were receiving the medical treatment; or

(2) on the basis of being physically unable to provide self care when appropriate care is being provided.

[Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 4-28-5-2.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.77-1992, SEC.1; P.L.24-1997, SEC.21; P.L.281-2003, SEC.1; P.L.117-2015, SEC.17; P.L.65-2016, SEC.6.