The law defines [RCW 74.34.020(2)(d)] exploitation as an act of forcing, compelling, or exerting undue influence over a vulnerable adult causing the vulnerable adult to act in a way that is inconsistent with relevant past behavior, or causing the vulnerable adult to perform services for the benefit of another. Any incident originating prior to 7/24/2015 must apply the old definition above. Any incident originating on or after 7/24/2015 must apply the new definition below.
Effective 7/24/2015 (SSB 5600): “Personal exploitation” means an act of forcing, compelling, or exerting undue influence over a vulnerable adult causing the vulnerable adult to act in a way that is inconsistent with relevant past behavior, or causing the vulnerable adult to perform services for the benefit of another.
Examples of personal exploitation may include:
- Statements that personal exploitation is occurring
- Forcing the vulnerable adult to do work tasks for others against the vulnerable adult’s wishes
- Sudden change of an agent-in-fact on a power of attorney