Mandated reporting outside of work

[chrisrn24]

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?

[verene, MSN]

As others have said depends on your state. In both WA and OR you are required to report suspected abuse or neglect of child or vulnerable adult even when not in your employed "mandate" role. 

I've had to make a few reports (all at least tangentially work related) and the process is pretty straightforward. Remember - you don't have to do all the detective work to prove there is abuse/neglect just have reasonable suspicion for it.

I've helped patients with the process numerous times - most get screened out eventually, but a few reports have resulted in further investigation and in one case I'm aware of, arrest and pressing of criminal charges against the perpetrator.

[TriciaJ, RN]

On 4/14/2013 at 12:40 PM, hiddencatRN said:

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?

If a case of abuse comes to the attention of the authorities, and it is found that you were aware but didn't act, you could be held liable.

The onus would be on the plaintiff to prove you had knowledge.  It's hard to make a case if the abuse was in fact reported.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

On 4/13/2013 at 10:10 PM, chrisrn24 said:

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?'

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I remember a week after I got my license I was in a local warehouse store grocery shopping. There was a mother screaming at her older child, who appeared to be about six, while holding a younger child, maybe three. At first I thought I was watching a hidden camera show because the woman's vile tirade was heartbreaking. She yelled things like "I don't love you! Who could love a worthless child like you?!" At one point she grabbed the younger child and said they were leaving and the older child shouldn't follow them. The girl was sobbing and telling her mother she loved her. I called the police. I wish I had a camera back then that took video. By the time the police arrived the girl was eating an ice cream and holding mom's hand. I tried to explain to them what I had seen but they said without proof there as nothing they could do. I often think about those girls and wonder how things have turned out for them. I wish I had the courage to step in back then, today it wouldn't even take me a second, I will always regret that.