In the United States, every state has laws that require certain professionals to report elder abuse. These laws mandate that specific individuals, typically those who work closely with elderly individuals, must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Who must report varies on the laws in your state. However, several common professions are designated as mandated reporters, as you’ll see below.
Who is Required to Report Elder Abuse?
In general, most states require the following professionals to report elder abuse:
- Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners.
- Mental health professionals: Psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors.
- Social workers: Including those who provide direct care or services to the elderly.
- Law enforcement officers: Police officers and other law enforcement personnel.
- Eldercare facility staff: Employees and administrators of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other elder care institutions.
- Home health care workers: Those who provide in-home care services.
- Certain volunteers and community service providers.
Elder Abuse Reporting Laws by State
Below are the state-specific statutes and regulations on elder abuse law. For a comprehensive overview of state legal requirements, please refer to the linked legal text.
Alaska: Under Alaska Statutes § 47.24.010, healthcare professionals, mental health professionals, social workers, peace officers, and staff and administrators of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Department of Health and Social Services or law enforcement agencies.
Alabama: Under Alabama Code § 38-9-8, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Department of Human Resources or law enforcement agencies.
Arizona: Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 46-454, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement agencies.
Arkansas: Under Arkansas Code § 12-12-1708, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement agencies.
California: Under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 15630, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement agencies. The statute also includes officers and employees of financial institutions as mandated reporters of financial abuse of elders or dependent adults.
Colorado: Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-6.5-108, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement agencies. This includes any person providing health care, social services, or care for at-risk elders and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Connecticut: Under Connecticut General Statutes § 17a-412 and § 17b-450, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Department of Social Services (DSS), Protective Services for the Elderly (PSE) within 72 hours. The statute specifies that these reports can be made orally or in writing and must include pertinent details about the suspected abuse.
Delaware: Under Delaware Code Title 31, § 3910, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Department of Health and Social Services, specifically to Adult Protective Services (APS). Reports must be made promptly, either via phone at 1-888-277-4302 or through the online submission form provided by APS.
Florida: Under Florida Statutes § 415.1034, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families Adult Protective Services (APS) via the central abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873. This statute mandates immediate reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Georgia: Under Georgia Code § 30-5-4, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Department of Human Services' Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement. Mandated reporters must report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of disabled adults or elder persons who live in the community. Reports can be made online or by calling 1-866-552-4464.
Hawaii: Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 346, Part X, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are mandated to report suspected elder abuse to the Department of Human Services' Adult Protective and Community Services Branch (APCSB). Reports can be made by calling the APS Reporting Line at (808) 832-5115.
Idaho: Under Idaho Code § 39-5303, licensed medical professionals, emergency services personnel, facility employees, skilled nursing facility employees, employees of entities responsible for providing care to a vulnerable adult, medical examiners, social workers, and law enforcement personnel are required to report suspected elder abuse. Reports should be made to the Idaho Commission on Aging’s Adult Protective Services (APS) within 24 hours. If the suspected maltreatment has resulted in death or serious physical injury, the report must also be made to local law enforcement within four hours.
Illinois: Under Illinois Compiled Statutes (320 ILCS 20/4), healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities are required to report suspected elder abuse to the Illinois Department of Aging’s Adult Protective Services (APS). Reports can be made by calling the statewide, 24-hour APS Hotline at 1-866-800-1409. Mandated reporters are required to report if they believe an adult aged 60 or older or a person with disabilities aged 18-59 is unable to report for themselves due to dysfunction.
Indiana: Under Indiana Code § 12-10-3-2, healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and employees of elder care facilities are mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of endangered adults. An “endangered adult” is defined as an individual who is at least 18 years of age and incapable of managing or directing the management of their property or providing self-care due to mental or physical incapacity. Reports should be made to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement. The state hotline for reporting is 1-800-992-6978.
Iowa: Under Iowa Code § 235B.3, mandatory reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and other individuals who have responsibility for the care of a dependent adult. These professionals are required to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within 24 hours. Reports can be made by calling the HHS toll-free hotline at 1-800-362-2178, which is available 24 hours a day.
Kansas: Under Kansas Statutes § 39-1431, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of elder care facilities, among others. These individuals are required to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) or local law enforcement. Reports can be made by calling the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330, which is staffed 24/7.
Kentucky: Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 209.030, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and any person who has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These individuals are required to report such suspicions to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) or local law enforcement. Reports can be made through the CHFS 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-877-597-2331 or online via the Kentucky Child/Adult Protective Services Reporting System.
Louisiana: Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:1504 and § 14:403.2, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and any person who has reasonable cause to believe that an adult’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These individuals are required to report such suspicions to the appropriate authorities, which can include any adult protection agency or local law enforcement. Reports can be made by calling the Elderly Protective Services (EPS) hotline at 1-800-898-4910, which is available 24/7.
Maine: Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 22, § 3477, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and any person who has responsibility for the care or custody of an incapacitated or dependent adult. These individuals are required to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Department of Health and Human Services' Adult Protective Services (APS). Reports must be made immediately by phone at 1-800-624-8404, which operates 24/7.
Maryland: Under Maryland Family Law Code § 14-302, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and any human service workers. These individuals are required to report suspected cases of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the local department of social services immediately. Reports can be made by telephone, direct communication, or in writing.
Massachusetts: Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 19A, § 15, mandated reporters of elder abuse include a wide range of professionals such as physicians, nurses, medical examiners, social workers, police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and more. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults aged 60 and older to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs' Adult Protective Services (APS). Reports can be made by calling the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275 or online through the designated portal. Mandated reporters must also submit a written report within 48 hours of the verbal report.
Michigan: Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 400.11a, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and employees of adult protective services, among others. These individuals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Adult Protective Services (APS) unit. Reports can be made by calling the 24/7 hotline at 855-444-3911.
Minnesota: under Minnesota Statutes § 626.557, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of facilities that care for vulnerable adults. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC). Reports can be made 24/7 by calling the toll-free number 844-880-1574 or through the MAARC online reporting system. Mandated reporters must act immediately upon suspicion and are protected from civil or criminal liability when making good-faith reports.
Mississippi: Under Mississippi Code § 43-47-7, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and any other person who knows or suspects that a vulnerable person has been or is being abused, neglected or exploited. These individuals are required to report such knowledge or suspicion to the Mississippi Department of Human Services or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made orally and must be followed up by a written report. The Department of Human Services operates a statewide central register to receive these reports 24/7 through a toll-free phone number.
Missouri: Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 192.2405, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and numerous other professionals such as dentists, optometrists, funeral directors, and ministers, among others. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an eligible adult to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Reports can be made via the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210, which operates daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Failure to report as required can result in penalties as specified under the law.
Montana: Under Montana Code Annotated § 52-3-811, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and a wide range of other professionals such as attorneys, mental health professionals, and employees of care facilities. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Adult Protective Services (APS) or the county attorney. Reports can be made through the APS hotline at 1-844-277-9300 or online during business hours.
Nebraska: Under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-372 and § 28-373, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and other specified professionals. These individuals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' Adult Protective Services (APS) division. Reports can be made through the APS 24-hour hotline at 1-800-652-1999 or online. Failure to report such suspicions can result in penalties as provided by the state law.
Nevada: Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 200.5093, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and several other categories of professionals. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, or abandonment of older persons or vulnerable persons to the Aging and Disability Services Division of the Department of Health and Human Services or local law enforcement. Reports can be made via a 24-hour hotline at 1-888-729-0571 for statewide coverage or 702-486-6930 for Clark County.
New Hampshire: Under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 161-F:46, any person who has reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect is required to report the information to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS). Mandated reporters include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and any person responsible for the care of a vulnerable adult. Reports must be made immediately during business hours to BEAS at 1-800-949-0470 or to the local police department after hours, on weekends, or holidays.
New Jersey: Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated § 52:27G-7.1, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and various other licensed professionals. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults aged 18 and older to Adult Protective Services (APS) in their respective counties. Reports must be made immediately upon suspicion and can be directed to APS or the local law enforcement agencies, particularly if the abuse involves serious bodily injury or a crime.
New Mexico: Under New Mexico Statutes § 27-7-30, any person, including healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and financial institutions, who has reasonable cause to believe that an incapacitated adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, is required to report the information to Adult Protective Services (APS). Reports must be made immediately to APS, which can be reached through the statewide intake number at 1-866-654-3219. APS is available 24/7 to receive and investigate reports of elder abuse.
New York: Under New York Social Services Law § 491, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and human services professionals. These individuals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable persons to the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs or to the local Adult Protective Services (APS). Reports can be made by calling the Justice Center’s hotline at 1-855-373-2122 or the APS Helpline at 1-844-697-3505.
North Carolina: Under North Carolina General Statutes § 108A-102, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a disabled adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited. These individuals are required to report their suspicions to the county Department of Social Services (DSS). Reports can be made by contacting the local DSS or calling the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) at 1-800-662-7030.
North Dakota: Under North Dakota Century Code § 50-25.2, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and any other individuals who, in their official or professional capacity, have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These individuals are required to report such suspicions to the North Dakota Department of Human Services' Vulnerable Adult Protective Services (VAPS). Reports can be made by calling 1-855-GO2LINK (1-855-462-5465) or by submitting an online reporting form.
Ohio: Under Ohio Revised Code § 5101.63, mandated reporters of elder abuse include a broad range of professionals such as healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, clergy, and various employees in medical, financial, and emergency services. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult to the county Department of Job and Family Services or through the statewide Adult Protective Services (APS) hotline at 1-855-OHIO-APS (1-855-644-6277). Reports can be made orally or in writing, and oral reports must be followed by a written report if requested by the department.
Oklahoma: Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 43A § 10-104, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and various other professionals who have contact with vulnerable adults, such as employees of long-term care facilities, mental health professionals, and financial management personnel. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) or local law enforcement. Reports can be made by calling the statewide Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.
Oregon: Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 124.050 to § 124.095, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, financial professionals, employees of care facilities, and several other professionals who have regular contact with elderly individuals. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults to the Department of Human Services (DHS) or local law enforcement. Reports can be made through the statewide hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233), which is available 24/7.
Pennsylvania: Under Pennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA), mandated reporters of elder abuse include employees and administrators of facilities such as nursing homes, personal care homes, and other licensed care settings. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of individuals aged 60 and older to the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or licensing agencies. If the suspected abuse involves sexual abuse, serious physical injury, serious bodily injury, or suspicious death, additional reporting to the Department of Aging and local law enforcement is required. Reports can be made through the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-490-8505, which operates 24/7.
Rhode Island: Under Rhode Island General Laws § 42-66-8, all residents of Rhode Island are mandated reporters of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect. This law requires anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that an individual aged 60 or older has been abused, neglected, or exploited to report the suspicion to the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) or local law enforcement. Reports can be made anonymously, and reporters are protected from retaliation and civil or criminal liability. Reports can be filed 24/7 by calling the Adult Protective Services (APS) intake line at 401-462-0555.
South Carolina: Under South Carolina Code § 43-35-25, mandated reporters of elder abuse include a wide range of professionals such as healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and volunteers in adult daycare centers or facilities. These individuals are required to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours. Reports should be made to the Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, or the Adult Protective Services Program, depending on the location of the incident. Reports can also be made via the statewide hotline at 1-888-CARE4US (1-888-227-3487).
South Dakota: Under South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-46-9, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals (such as physicians, nurses, dentists, and EMTs), social workers, law enforcement officers, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and counselors engaged in professional counseling. These individuals are required to report any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elder or adult with a disability to the county state’s attorney, the Department of Human Services, or a law enforcement officer within 24 hours. Failure to report as required is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. Reports can be made anonymously, but anonymous reporters will not receive feedback on the agency’s response to the report.
Tennessee: Under Tennessee Code Title 71, Chapter 6, Part 1, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and various other individuals who have reasonable cause to suspect that an adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation. These individuals are required to report their suspicions to the Tennessee Department of Human Services' Adult Protective Services (APS) unit. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-888-277-8366. The statute emphasizes the immediate reporting of any suspected abuse, and failure to do so can result in penalties.
Texas: Under Texas Human Resources Code § 48.051, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and various other professionals who have cause to believe that an elderly person is being abused, neglected, or exploited. These individuals are required to report their suspicions to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' Adult Protective Services (APS) unit. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or through the online reporting system at TxAbuseHotline.org.
Utah: Under Utah Code § 62A-3-305, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and other individuals who have reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS intake hotline at 1-800-371-7897 or through the online reporting system available on the Utah Department of Human Services website.
Vermont: Under Vermont Statutes Title 33, Chapter 69, § 6903, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of community mental health centers, nursing homes, and home health agencies. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS intake hotline at 1-800-564-1612 or through the online reporting system available on the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living website.
Virginia: Under Virginia Code § 63.2-1606, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, guardians, and employees of adult day care centers and nursing homes. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-888-832-3858 or through the online reporting system available on the Virginia Department of Social Services website.
Washington: Under Washington Revised Code § 74.34.035, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare providers, social workers, law enforcement officers, financial institution employees, and employees of social service, welfare, mental health, home care, adult day care, and adult residential care facilities. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-866-363-4276 or through the online reporting system available on the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website.
West Virginia: Under West Virginia Code § 9-6-9, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, employees of nursing homes, and employees of adult day care centers. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-800-352-6513 or through the online reporting system available on the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website.
Wisconsin: Under Wisconsin Statutes § 46.90, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, and employees of adult protective services agencies, nursing homes, and other residential care facilities. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-833-586-0107 or through the online reporting system available on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.
Wyoming: Under Wyoming Statutes § 35-20-103, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of adult protective services agencies and residential care facilities. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-800-457-3659 or through the online reporting system available on the Wyoming Department of Family Services website.
Elder Abuse Reporting Laws By Territory
American Samoa: Under the American Samoa Code Annotated § 45.2002, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of adult protective services agencies and residential care facilities. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-684-633-4590 or through the reporting system available on the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services website.
Guam: Under Guam Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 21, § 2953, mandated reporters of elder abuse include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of adult protective services agencies and residential care facilities. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by calling the APS hotline at 1-671-735-7415 or through the online reporting system available on the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services website.
Northern Mariana Islands: Under Commonwealth Code Title 6, Division 5, Chapter 5, § 5313, mandated reporters of elder abuse in the Northern Mariana Islands include healthcare professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and employees of adult protective services agencies and residential care facilities. These individuals must report their suspicions to Adult Protective Services (APS) or local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be made by contacting the Department of Public Safety or the Division of Youth Services.
Puerto Rico: Under Puerto Rico Title 8, Chapter 18, §346k, any person who learns or suspects that an elderly person is a victim of abuse, institutional abuse, abuse by negligence, and/or abuse by institutional negligence must report this through the “Golden Hotline,” to the Puerto Rico Police, and/or to the Office of Elderly Affairs, attached to the Office of the Governor. Reports should be made as provided by this chapter. The information and the identity of the reporter will be kept strictly confidential.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Under U.S. Virgin Islands Code Title 34, Chapter 15, § 467, effective January 1, 2009, any person entering employment as a care custodian, clergy member, health practitioner, or with the Department of Human Services or local law enforcement must, before commencing employment, sign a statement acknowledging awareness of and compliance with mandated reporting laws. Employers must provide and retain this signed statement. Employees hired before this date must also be informed of their reporting responsibilities. The Department issuing licenses or certificates must ensure new licensees receive similar statements. Employers are not liable for individual failures to report elder abuse.
While the specifics of elder abuse reporting laws may vary from state to state, the overarching goal remains the same: to protect vulnerable elderly individuals from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Mandated reporters play a crucial role in this effort, and the vigilance and willingness to report suspected abuse can make a significant difference in the lives of those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
For detailed information on your state’s requirements, please consult the relevant statutes and regulations provided in the links above or visit MandatedReporterTraining.com.
