The Adult Protective Services (APS) specialist has ethical responsibilities according to Section 10-109a of Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes (43A O.S. § 10-109a).  The APS specialist maintains professional objectivity when providing or arranging services for vulnerable adults, whether services are paid for by the vulnerable adult or from private or public funds.

• (1) The APS specialist must not:
  • (A) handle the vulnerable adult's personal resources, such as bank accounts, cash, checks, notes, mortgages, trusts, deeds, sales contracts, stocks, bonds, certificates, or other liquid assets without prior APS specialist IV approval;
  • (B) obtain or initiate repairs, personal services, and other necessary actions to provide health care, food, or shelter to or on behalf of a vulnerable adult without prior APS specialist IV approval.  Approval may be verbal rather than written in emergency situations where immediate action is required to protect the vulnerable adult from imminent harm or significant loss of property.  All plans of this nature, along with approval, must be documented in writing in the case record as soon as possible after approval;
  • (C) solicit, charge, request, or accept a fee, gift, reward, or payment of any kind from individuals or staff for services rendered as a volunteer, intern, or employee;
  • (D) use contact with the vulnerable adult or any member of the vulnerable adult's support system for personal gain or personal relationships;
  • (E) after termination of any assignment, make personal contact with a former client or any member of the client's support system or use former contact with a client for personal gain;
  • (F) buy items from a vulnerable adult;
  • (G) engage in any employment or business interest that would constitute a conflict of interest or impair the APS specialist's ability to carry out duties in an impartial manner;
  • (H) give diagnostic medical or legal opinions;
  • (I) refer the vulnerable adult to just one physician, attorney, counselor, or other professional for services.  The vulnerable adult is presented options whenever possible;  • 1
  • (J) have sexual contact with vulnerable adults, their relatives, next of kin, or members of their support system; and
  • (K) make after hours home visits, other than those specifically approved by the APS specialist IV.
• (2) The APS specialist contacts the APS specialist IV immediately when the vulnerable adult or the APS specialist is threatened or injured in the course of the investigation.