Referral system now available for deaths of vulnerable adults from possible abuse

A state committee to review deaths of vulnerable adults from possible abuse or neglect is now accepting referrals that will be used to try and prevent such deaths.

The Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Committee (VAFRC) was created by Nevada Legislature in 2023 to uncover how fatal cases of abuse and neglect may go undetected. The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) has been working for two years to set up the committee and in April the system went live for blood relatives and law enforcement to submit confidential referrals to the committee for review.

“Too many deaths of older adults are being identified as ‘natural,’” said Paul Greenwood, a retired San Diego deputy district attorney who is helping to develop Nevada's program.

An example of abuse leading to a death thought to be from natural causes might go like this: An elderly man in his 80s was diagnosed with a cognitive condition and moved in with his adult child’s family. However, the family struggled to provide adequate care. Left alone for extended periods, the elderly man suffered severe neglect, leading to bed sores and malnutrition. His health continued to deteriorate and ultimately, he died at home. Although the death was initially classified as “natural,” further review determined it was caused by neglect.

The VAFRC will review each confidential referral to identify system gaps and determine what, if anything, could have been done differently. The committee may then make recommendations to law enforcement, state agencies, service providers, victim advocates, and the public to improve processes or services and prevent future deaths.

With the launch of this system, ADSD staff, law enforcement, and close family members can submit referrals for review when they believe abuse, neglect or system failures may have been involved in someone’s death. Upon evaluation, ADSD staff may reach out to the referring person for additional information or documentation.

“The work of the VAFRC is critical to ensure that Nevada can address gaps in the care of vulnerable adults here in our state,” said Michael Morton, Special Assistant Attorney General and chair of the VAFRC. “Allowing the public to aid the committee in identifying those potential issues only enhances the committee’s ability to serve these vulnerable populations.”

The online referral form can be found at the Vulnerable Adult Fatality Review Committee web page. To make a report to Adult Protective Services about an ongoing case of abuse or neglect, visit the ADSD web page linked here.