Mandated reporters of suspected financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult.

Assembly Member Stefani's proposal to modify California's Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act would require financial institutions to conduct annual training for employees on reporting suspected financial abuse to local and federal authorities. The measure adds new requirements for banks and credit unions to immediately inform clients about reporting mechanisms upon discovering potential abuse and encourage complaint submissions within 48 hours.

The legislation maintains existing mandated reporter obligations for financial institution employees while establishing specific protocols for training content and delivery. Under the proposed changes, training programs must cover reporting procedures for both local adult protective services and federal entities like the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and Federal Trade Commission. While financial institutions face civil penalties up to $5,000 for failing to report abuse, the bill exempts them from penalties for not meeting the new client notification requirements.

The measure preserves current provisions allowing mandated reporters to disregard powers of attorney when abuse is suspected and maintains protections for joint reporting by multiple employees. Reports continue to require immediate telephone or confidential online submission followed by written documentation within two business days. For elders in long-term care facilities, reports must go to local ombudsmen or law enforcement agencies.