Ind. Code ch. 12-24-17

in effect

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-1 "Administrator" defined

Sec. 1. (a) As used in this chapter, "administrator" means a person who is the administrative head of a hospital, a sanitarium, an institution, an agency, or an instrumentality: (1) maintained or provided by the United States or an agency or instrumentality of the United States; and (2) where mental illnesses or developmental disabilities are treated. (b) The term, for purposes of this chapter and a court order, includes successors in office. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-1(11).] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.6-1995, SEC.19.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-2 "Patient" defined

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "patient" means an individual who: (1) has a mental illness or appears to have a mental illness; (2) is in or under the supervision and control of a state institution; or (3) because of mental illness, is under the supervision and control of a circuit or superior court of Indiana. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-1(5).] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.99-2007, SEC.119.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-3 Neglect, abuse, or maltreatment of a patient in a state institution; penalty

Sec. 3. A person who: (1) neglects, when the person has a duty of care; (2) abuses; or (3) maltreats; an individual with a mental illness or an individual with a developmental disability under the care of a state institution commits a Class B misdemeanor. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-2(a).] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.6-1995, SEC.20; P.L.99-2007, SEC.120.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-4 Knowledge of alleged violation of IC 12-24-17-3; failure to make written report to superintendent

Sec. 4. A person who: (1) knows of an alleged violation of section 3 of this chapter; and (2) fails to make a written report to the superintendent within twenty-four (24) hours of the alleged violation; commits a Class A infraction. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-2(b).] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-5 Receipt by superintendent of report of alleged violation; investigation; reporting requirements

Sec. 5. (a) A superintendent who receives a written report of an alleged violation of section 3 of this chapter shall begin an investigation within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of the written report. (b) In accordance with IC 31-33, the superintendent shall report the alleged violation of section 3 of this chapter to either of the following: (1) The department of child services if the alleged victim is less than eighteen (18) years of age. (2) The adult protective services unit designated under IC 12-10-3 if the alleged victim is at least eighteen (18) years of age. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-2(c).] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.4-1993, SEC.202; P.L.5-1993, SEC.215; P.L.1-1997, SEC.85; P.L.234-2005, SEC.78.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-6 Unauthorized dealing or contracting by state institution employee with or for a patient concerning money or property

Sec. 6. An employee of a state institution who does any of the following commits a Class B misdemeanor: (1) Knowingly deals with, contracts with, purchases from, or purchases for a patient in the state institution any property without the permission of the superintendent. (2) Lends to or borrows from a patient money or other property. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-3.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-7 Enticing or taking a patient away or aiding a patient to escape from the custody of an administrator or a superintendent

Sec. 7. A person who: (1) recklessly entices or takes a patient away; or (2) aids, induces, or causes a patient to escape; from an administrator or a superintendent who has been granted custody of the patient commits a Class B misdemeanor. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-1-4.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18.

Ind. Code § 12-24-17-8 Releasing information concerning a patient's medical records or treatment without written consent of patient, parent, or guardian

Sec. 8. A person who knowingly or intentionally releases information concerning a patient's medical records or treatment under IC 12-24-11 or IC 16-39-2 without the knowing, written consent of the patient or the patient's parent or guardian commits a Class B infraction. [Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-28-3.] As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.18. Amended by P.L.40-1994, SEC.53.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/12Fetched: 10/17/2026