39-5305. INSPECTIONS — RIGHT OF ENTRY. (1) Upon receiving information that a vulnerable adult is alleged to be abused, neglected, or exploited, the commission or provider shall cause such investigation to be made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter as is appropriate. In making the investigation, the commission or provider shall use its own resources and may enlist the cooperation of peace officers. In an emergency, any authorized commission employee or provider shall enlist the cooperation of a peace officer to ensure the safety of the vulnerable adult and shall receive the peace officer’s assistance. Assistance in an emergency may include entry on private or public property where a vulnerable adult is allegedly subject to abuse, neglect or exploitation, and the removal and transportation of the vulnerable adult to a medical facility, care-providing facility, or other appropriate and safe environment.

(2) In a nonemergency, any peace officer may cooperate with an authorized commission employee or provider in ensuring the safety of a vulnerable adult who has been abused, neglected or exploited, including a vulnerable adult living in a condition of self-neglect. Assistance shall be provided only with the consent of the vulnerable adult or his legal representative.

(3) For the purposes of implementing or enforcing any provision of this chapter or any rule authorized under the provisions of this chapter, any duly authorized commission employee or provider may, upon presentation of appropriate credentials at any reasonable time, with consent or in an emergency, enter upon any private or public property where a vulnerable adult allegedly is subject to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

(4) All inspections and searches conducted under the provisions of this chapter shall be performed in conformity with the prohibitions against unreasonable searches and seizures contained in the fourth amendment to the constitution of the United States and article I, section 17, of the constitution of the state of Idaho. The state shall not, under the authority granted in this chapter, conduct warrantless administrative searches of private property except with consent, or in an emergency.

(5) If consent to entry is not given, a commission employee or provider with the assistance of the county prosecutor may obtain, and any magistrate or district judge is authorized to issue, a search warrant upon showing that probable cause exists to believe a vulnerable adult is subject to abuse, neglect or exploitation. Upon request of a commission employee or provider, a peace officer shall serve the search warrant.

History:

[39-5305, added 1991, ch. 329, sec. 6, p. 851; am. 1996, ch. 78, sec. 4, p. 249; am. 1998, ch. 308, sec. 6, p. 1023; am. 2019, ch. 43, sec. 5, p. 119.]