Under current law, intentional neglect of a vulnerable adult by a caregiver, or the knowing permission of conditions to exist that result in abuse or neglect is a gross misdemeanor.   The bill increases the penalty to a five-year felony if the action (or inaction) results in substantial bodily harm, and a ten-year felony if it results in great bodily harm, while maintaining the gross misdemeanor penalty for general abuse or neglect.

Minnesota Statutes defines “substantial bodily harm” as bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or which causes a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or which causes a fracture of any bodily member.

“Great bodily harm” means bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ or other serious bodily harm.

The bill is effective August 1, 2012, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

CT:rer