Adult Protective Services Registry
In 2006, Arizona’s legislature passed a bill to create the APS Registry that took effect July 1, 2007 and applies to reports received by APS on or after that date. Alleged perpetrators are provided due process through administrative appeals prior to having their name added to the APS Registry. When APS proposes to substantiate allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, statute requires APS to notify the alleged perpetrator of the proposed finding and inform them of the right to an administrative hearing before an administrative law judge. If the alleged perpetrator declines their right to an administrative hearing, their name is placed on the APS registry.
If a hearing is requested, the administrative law judge makes a recommended finding using the preponderance of evidence burden of proof, per A.R.S. § 46-458. That recommended finding may be upheld, amended, or rejected by the Director of the Department.
When the proposed substantiation is upheld through the hearing process, the perpetrator’s name is placed on the APS Registry.
When another court or administrative law judge has already made findings regarding the alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation, a perpetrator is ineligible for an administrative hearing from APS. Once those findings are made, the perpetrator is placed on the APS Registry.
If the perpetrator’s name was placed on the APS Registry prior to July 3, 2015, their name will remain on the registry for 10 years. If the perpetrator’s name was placed on the registry after July 3, 2015, their name will remain on the APS Registry for 25 years.
In 2015, HB2021 extended the length of time a person remains on the registry to 25 years from 10 years and required that the registry be posted online so individuals can scan the registry before enlisting the services of a caretaker.
To search for a name on the APS Registry, use 'CTRL F' and type in the name you are looking for. Depending on what browser you are using, you may click the 'Next' button or up and down button to scroll through the potential name matches.
