Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §3471, as amended by PL 1991, c. 711, §1, is further amended to read:

§3471. Declaration of policy and legislative intent

The Legislature recognizes that many adult citizens of the State, because of incapacitation or dependency vulnerability, are unable to manage their own affairs or to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation. Often these persons cannot can not find others able or willing to render assistance. The Legislature intends, through this Act, to establish a program of protective services designed to fill this need and to assure ensure its availability to all incapacitated and dependent vulnerable adults who are faced with abuse, neglect, exploitation or the substantial risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is also the intent of the Legislature to authorize only the least possible restriction on the exercise of personal and civil rights consistent with the person's need for services and to require that due process be followed in imposing those restrictions.

Sec. 2. 22 MRSA §3472, as amended by PL 2001, c. 354, §3, is further amended to read:

§3472. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings.

1. Abuse. "Abuse" means the infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation or cruel punishment with resulting that causes or is likely to cause physical harm or pain or mental anguish; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; or the willful intentional, knowing or reckless deprivation of essential needs. "Abuse" includes acts and omissions.

2. Adult. "Adult" means any person who has attained the age of 18 years or who is a legally emancipated minor.

2-A. Bureau. "Bureau" means the Bureau of Elder and Adult Services of the Department of Human Services.

3. Caretaker. "Caretaker" means any individual or institution who has or assumes the responsibility for the care of an adult.

4. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Human Services or a designated representative in the geographical area in which the person resides or is present or, in the case of