1. (a) APS assigns the following priorities to reported allegations:

   1. (1) Priority I--Allegation that the client is in a state of serious harm or is in danger of death from abuse or neglect.
   2. (2) Priority II--Allegation that the client is abused, neglected, or financially exploited and, as a result, is at risk of serious harm.
   3. (3) Priority III--Allegation that the client is in a state of abuse or neglect when the severity and immediacy of the allegation do not meet the definitions in paragraphs (1) or (2) of this subsection.
   4. (4) Priority IV--Allegation that the client is financially exploited when there is no serious harm.
2. (b) APS establishes the timeframe for conducting the initial face-to-face contact with the client based on the priority assigned to the allegation(s).

Source Note:The provisions of this §705.501 adopted to be effective February 1, 2021, 46 TexReg 317; amended to be effective November 17, 2025, 50 TexReg 7431.