Question

There are times when healthcare workers become aware of injuries sustained by patients or people with whom they come in contact. Laws are in place that serve to identify situations that mandate reporting of these injuries. Please discuss the three areas of abuse in which reporting must occur and the criteria for when reporting is mandatory.

Answer 1

Yes there comes a time when health care provider comes in contact with patients with injuries where it becomes mendatory to report the injuries under law.

1. Child abuse
2. domestic violence
3. Elder abuse

It becomes very tough for the physician to report about the problem because they get into the dillema of what they are suspecting is correct to be reported or not.

It is not the physician responsibility to determine the intent of the parent or husband or guardian. Their only responsibility is to report their suspicion and allow higher authorities for investigation.

Failure to report child abuse or other abuses is violation of the law.