Who Is a Mandated Reporter for Elder Abuse?

If you work in certain professions, then you’ve likely heard the phrase “mandated reporter” used. It refers to those who have a legal obligation to report actions that could endanger the health and safety of others, leading to them suffering serious injuries or death. Keep reading, where we’ll highlight who is a mandated reporter for elder abuse and share who to contact and what information to have on hand when you report your concerns.

Understanding Who Has a Mandatory Reporting Obligation

The differences between what qualifies as a mandated reporter in one jurisdiction versus another may vary slightly. However, in general, the following types of professionals fall into this category:

• Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health counselors/therapists
• Social workers
• Nursing home employees or home health aides
• Police officers or law enforcement agents
• Financial professionals like investment advisors or bank tellers
• Members of the clergy
• Teachers/educators and school personnel

While most state statutes outline who mandated reporters are, in some jurisdictions, laws do not specifically outline which professionals fit into this category, leading many to assume that this means any and everyone who becomes aware of potential safety or health issues must report what they know.

What Qualifies as Reportable Elder Abuse?

Again, while each state’s laws vary, in general, any of the parties above who witness or become aware of the following must report it to the proper authorities:

• Physical abuse occurring in the elderly individual’s residence or their nursing home
• Financial exploitation of older individuals
• Sexual abuse and assaults
• Elopement, wandering, and other situations leading to missing vulnerable adults, such as those in memory care facilities
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Neglect, including abandonment

In short, most any activity that may endanger the health and safety or life of vulnerable individuals or subject them to financial ruin should be reported. For the record, the terminology “vulnerable individuals” is often used to not only refer to the elderly, but also children and those with certain physical impairments or intellectual disabilities.

Who Are Reports of Abusive Treatment Made With?

If you review this Mandatory Reporting Statutes for Elder Abuse report prepared by Stetson University’s Elder Consumer Protection Program, you’ll see in the “how to report” column where it often recommends reaching out to a respective state’s Adult Protective Services and other similar agencies’ hotlines with that information. While this guide can be helpful in narrowing in on who to report abuse to, be sure to cross-reference it with other more up-to-date internet resources to ensure compliance with ever-changing laws.

What Information To Have on Hand When Reporting Abuse

When calling in or otherwise reporting suspected abuse or neglect, you should make sure you have the following handy, as the attendant or form you’re filling out will likely ask for it:

• The victim’s details, like their name, address, where they live, and their age
• Information about the abuse you witnessed or suspect is occurring, including where it occurred and who inflicted harm
• Details about injuries that the perpetrator caused
• Whether there are any witnesses to what happened
• Any impressions regarding whether you suspect further abuse is forthcoming

Why the Role of Mandated Reporters Is Critically Important

If you’re wondering why certain individuals are expected to report suspected or known abuse, neglect, and exploitation while others are not, it comes down to certain people holding positions of trust in others’ lives. Also, most times mandatory reporters receive initial training and follow-up continuing education regarding tell-tale signs that nursing home abuse is occurring that you should be on the lookout  for. For these reasons and more, it’s particularly important for you to uphold your lawful obligation to report concerning the treatment of elders.

Failing to report mistreatment not only puts seniors’ health and safety on the line but could also expose you to legal liability, which may include fines and jail time. In addition, it could jeopardize your professional license if you hold one or lead to you being named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit by an abuse victim.

If you’re unsure if you are a mandated reporter for elder abuse per your state’s laws, verify whether that’s the case instead of making any wrong assumptions. Doing so is in your best interest and that of the older person you know.