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Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 15, 2023

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)

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