Mandated reporting outside of work

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?

I believe it depends on the state, I am pretty sure in Michigan we have to report no matter where we are.

Thank you! I am in Minnesota but I would think things would be the same here.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

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

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!

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.

I don't see why you wouldn't report something, mandated or not.

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?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Being a 'mandatory reporter' means just that - it's mandatory.

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.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

It does vary state to state..however most have the policy you are a mandated reported in and out of work.

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.

[DizzyLizzyNurse]

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.

[Music in My Heart]

California's mandated reporter law only applies to those times when you're working in your 'mandated' position.

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.

I would say yes, at least morally.

Edited May 14, 2014 by JDZ344

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

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?

[sharpeimom]

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.