It is the policy of this State that:

1. (1) Every vulnerable adult is entitled to live in safety and in health.
2. (2) Responding to deaths of vulnerable adults is a state and a community responsibility.
3. (3) When a vulnerable adult dies, the response by the State and the community to the death must include an accurate and complete determination of the cause of death, the provision of services to surviving family members, and the development and implementation of measures to prevent future deaths from similar causes and may include court action, including prosecution of persons who may be responsible for the death and family court proceedings to protect other vulnerable adults in the care of the responsible person.
4. (4) Professionals from disparate disciplines and agencies that have responsibilities for vulnerable adults and expertise that can promote safety and well-being of vulnerable adults should share their expertise and knowledge toward the goals of determining the causes of deaths of vulnerable adults, planning and providing services to nonoffending family members, and preventing future vulnerable adult deaths.
5. (5) A greater understanding of the incidence and causes of deaths of vulnerable adults is necessary if the State is to prevent future vulnerable adult deaths.