§7-5-4 Scope

(a) In the process of carrying out the responsibilities and duties in this Act, the Nez Perce Tribe Social Services Program may inquire into the availability and subsequently request the assistance of the staffs and resources of all appropriate tribal departments, agencies, commissions, or health directors, and may utilize any other appropriate and available tribal, state, public or private agencies, groups or individuals.  Interagency cooperation shall include the involvement, when appropriate, of law enforcement personnel, department personnel, medical personnel, state personnel and any other person or entity deemed necessary due to their specialized training in providing services to elders or vulnerable adults.  Interagency cooperation may also include access to client information necessary for the provision of services to elders or vulnerable adults.  Interagency staffing and sharing of client and facility information shall be used, upon completion of the proper paperwork regarding privacy of information or issuance of court order or subpoena when necessary, to provide services to elders and vulnerable adults.

(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to mean that a vulnerable adult or elder is abused, neglected or in need of protective services for the sole reason that he/she relies on treatment from a recognized religious method of healing in lieu of medical treatment, nor shall the provisions of this Act be construed to require any medical care or treatment in contravention of the stated or implied objection of an elder or vulnerable adult, except as noted.