Nevada law

Elder Laws in Nevada.

Nevada elder law covers Medicaid long-term care planning, powers of attorney, advance directives, guardianships and conservatorships through the District Court, nursing home resident rights, and adult protective services. Nevada follows the federal 60-month Medicaid lookback. Nevada significantly reformed its guardianship system after 2017 scandals in Clark County — creating the Office of the State Guardian, a Guardianship Bill of Rights, and new procedural protections. Nevada has strong elder abuse criminal statutes and a robust Adult Protective Services program.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Nevada Statutes

Guardianship Reform (Post-2017)NRS Chapter 159/159A

Nevada enacted extensive guardianship reforms after the 2015-2017 Clark County scandals. New protections include a Protected Person's Bill of Rights (NRS 159.328), mandatory attorney representation for proposed protected persons, and the Office of the State Guardian.

Uniform Power of Attorney ActNRS Chapter 162A

Nevada has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. Powers may be durable and continue through principal's incapacity.

Advance Directive — Living Will and DPA Health CareNRS 449A.400 et seq.

Authorizes living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care.

Medicaid Long-Term Care42 U.S.C. § 1396p; Nevada DHHS rules

Federal 60-month lookback on asset transfers. Nevada administers Medicaid through the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy.

Elder Abuse and Exploitation (Criminal)NRS 200.5092 et seq.

Criminalizes abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, and abandonment of older persons and vulnerable adults. Escalating felony penalties based on conduct and amount.

Adult Protective ServicesNRS 200.50955

APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Certain professionals are mandated reporters.

State law

Official Sources

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Nevada Office of the State Guardian

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.

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Elder Laws in Nevada.

Key Nevada Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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Other state law topics.