Contact Trustmark
If you choose to communicate with us by email, you should be aware that the security of incoming Internet email is not secure. We strongly encourage you to use encrypted email when sending sensitive and/or confidential information. By sending sensitive or confidential email messages that are not encrypted, you accept the risks of such lack of security and possible lack of confidentiality. If you elect to communicate from your workplace computer, you also should be aware that your employer and its agents have access to email communications between you and us.
Reporting Under the Adult Protective Services Act Updated for Washington, D.C.
Please be aware of updates to the Adult Protective Services Act for Washington, D.C. that pertain to insurance producers.
Effective November 16, 2011, under the Adult Protective Services Act of 1984, an insurance producer with a physical presence in the District of Columbia, who as a result of his or her appointment, employment or practice, has substantial cause to believe that an adult is in need of protective services because of abuse, neglect or exploitation, must immediately report this belief.
Insurance producers are uniquely positioned to assist in detecting and preventing financial fraud and exploitation of the elderly and vulnerable. Signs of financial exploitation include, but are not limited to:
- Sudden changes in accounts or practices, particularly with a vulnerable adult who is escorted by another who appears to be directing the changing activity patterns;
- Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents;
- Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions;
- Discovery of a vulnerable adult's signature being forged for financial transactions or for the titles to his or her possessions;
- The vulnerable adult has a companion who seems to be "calling the shots"; and
- Unexplained sudden transfer of assets, particularly real property, to a family member or someone outside the family
An adult in need of protective services is an individual 18 years of age or older who:
- Is highly vulnerable to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation because of a physical or mental impairment, self-neglect, or incapacity;
- Has recently been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited by another or has failed to perform essential self-care tasks because of dementia or another mental or physical impairment; and
- Has no one willing and able to provide adequate protection.
Reports must be made to the District of Columbia Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Division ("APS") and must include as much of the following as possible:
- The producer's identity (this information is confidential and protected);
- The name, age, physical description, and location of the adult who is alleged to be in need of protective services;
- The name and location of the person(s) suspected of being responsible for the abuse, neglect or exploitation (unless self-neglect);
- The nature and extent of the abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation;
- The basis of the producer's knowledge; and
- Any other information that the producer believes might be helpful to the investigation.
- Reports can be either written (submit via fax to 202.541.3964) or oral (submit via hotline at 202.541.3950).
A report to APS will initiate a confidential investigation to determine if protective services are needed to protect the vulnerable adult. A producer who makes a report to APS has qualified immunity and will be immune from civil or criminal liability for making the report if he/she has done so in good faith.
Contact Dr. Sheila Jones, Chief, APS, by phone at 202.299.2155, by fax at 202.478.9191 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
Email me updates!