Is a nurse legally required to report suspected neglect outside of work? I know at work I am legally mandated to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploration, but how about outside of work? 0 Likes
LiteCandles Apr 14, 2013 I believe it depends on the state, I am pretty sure in Michigan we have to report no matter where we are. 0 Likes
chrisrn24 Apr 14, 2013 Thank you! I am in Minnesota but I would think things would be the same here. 0 Likes
blondy2061h, MSN, RN Specializes in Oncology. Has 15 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 My abuse training was that I'm a mandated reported regardless of the setting. Outside of mandates, if I was truly suspicious that someone was in danger I would feel morally obligated to do what I could to stop it. Edited Apr 14, 2013 by blondy2061h 0 Likes
chrisrn24 Apr 14, 2013 My abuse training was that I'm a mandated reported regardless of the setting. Outside of mandates' date=' if I truly suspicious that someone was in danger I would feel morally obligated to do what I could to stop it.[/quote']I do agree, thanks! 0 Likes
nurseprnRN, BSN, RN Apr 14, 2013 I do, in Massachusetts. I have done so. It's part of the deal the Commonwealth asks of us in return for the privilege of holding registered nurse licensure. 0 Likes
xoemmylouox, ASN, RN Has 13 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 I don't see why you wouldn't report something, mandated or not. 0 Likes
hiddencatRN, BSN, RN Apr 14, 2013 I don't see why you wouldn't report something, mandated or not.It could mean the difference between an anonymous report vs a non anonymous one. If you're mandated and report anonymously, where is your proof that you reported as required? 0 Likes
meanmaryjean, DNP, RN Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia. Has 40 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 Being a 'mandatory reporter' means just that - it's mandatory. 0 Likes
Caffeinated RN Apr 14, 2013 In ny, you do not have to report abuse OUTSIDE of work. Doesn't mean you shouldn't, though, of course. I just completed their child abuse course for licensure and was surprised to learn this. 0 Likes
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma. Has 41 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 It does vary state to state..however most have the policy you are a mandated reported in and out of work. 0 Likes
Cmenurse Apr 14, 2013 I worked in a LTC where several staff members saw abuse by a CNA; it was reported to the DON and the administrator. We were told in staff meetings, repeatedly, that if you suspected abuse you were to report it to "the chain of command". For whatever reasons, the chain of command did nothing and finally someone called the state. During the state investigation the staff were castigated for not reporting the abuse to someone outside the facility, even though they had been told the administration was the one to do that! After that experience, I would report abuse anywhere I had good cause to believe it was happening. BTW-the CNA who molested the elderly is now in jail; the DON lost her license. The administrator who turned a blind eye and didn't want to believe what was going on is now working at another facility. 0 Likes
DizzyLizzyNurse Specializes in Peds Medical Floor. Has 12 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 BTW-the CNA who molested the elderly is now in jail; the DON lost her license. The administrator who turned a blind eye and didn't want to believe what was going on is now working at another facility.Interesting that the nursing staff got all the punishment, while the administrator got to go get another job. 0 Likes
Music in My Heart Specializes in being a Credible Source. Has 11 years experience. Apr 15, 2013 California's mandated reporter law only applies to those times when you're working in your 'mandated' position. 0 Likes
nurseprnRN, BSN, RN Apr 15, 2013 It could mean the difference between an anonymous report vs a non anonymous one. If you're mandated and report anonymously, where is your proof that you reported as required?No one would know. The point is, though, that if later on it was discovered that you did know or would likely have known and did not report, then you're in trouble. 0 Likes
BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical. Has 4 years experience. Apr 15, 2013 Is a nurse legally required to report suspected neglect outside of work? I know at work I am legally mandated to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploration, but how about outside of work?Why wouldn't you? Mandatory reporter or not? Can you as a human, not a nurse, turn your head away from suspected abuse or neglect? 0 Likes
sharpeimom Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,. Has 20 years experience. Apr 16, 2013 To me, it wouldn't matter because it all comes down to ethics and morality. Of course, I would (and have) report off the job!About six months ago, I discovered a fortyish female unmarried neighbor was being raped by her brother who had moved back home after a messy divorce. She was humiliated, but reluctant to do anything about it. I felt the same obligation to report.I talked to her that day with no luck, but the next day, she agreed to let me help her. I simply could not let that situation go on. The fact that both parties were in their forties was irrelevant. 0 Likes