The Florida Senate

415.1085  Photographs, medical examinations, and X rays of abused or neglected aged persons or disabled adults.--

(1)  Any person authorized by law to investigate cases of alleged abuse or neglect of an aged person or disabled adult may take or cause to be taken photographs of the areas of trauma visible on the aged person or disabled adult who is the subject of a report, and photographs of the surrounding environment, with the consent of the subject or guardian or guardians. If the areas of trauma visible on the aged person or disabled adult indicate a need for medical examination, or if the aged person or disabled adult verbally complains or otherwise exhibits distress as a result of injury through suspected adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation, or is alleged to have been sexually abused, the department may, with the consent of the subject or guardian or guardians, cause the aged person or disabled adult to be referred to a licensed physician or any emergency department in a hospital or health care facility for medical examinations and X rays, if deemed necessary by the examining physician. Such examinations may be performed by an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed pursuant to chapter 464. Medical examinations performed and X rays taken pursuant to this section shall be paid for by third-party reimbursement, if available, or by the subject or his or her guardian, if they are determined to be financially able to pay; or, if neither is available, the department shall pay the costs within available emergency services funds.

(2)  Any photographs or report of examination made, or X rays taken, pursuant to this section, or copies thereof, shall be sent to the department as soon as possible.

History.--s. 34, ch. 86-220; s. 31, ch. 89-294; s. 66, ch. 97-103.