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Aging and Adult Services: Protection: Adult Protective Services: Mandated Reporters

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What is a mandated reporter? Everyone should report all observed, known or suspected incidents of adult abuse, but the following individuals are required by law (Welfare and Institutions Code Section 15630) to report: "Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including administrators, supervisors, and any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for elder or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or a local law enforcement agency is a mandated reporter.” "Any mandated reporter who, in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment, has observed or has knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be physical abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or is told by an elder or dependent adult that he or she has experienced behavior constituting physical abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, or neglect, or reasonably suspects abuse shall report the known or suspected instance of abuse by telephone immediately or as soon as possible, and by written report sent within two working days." Mandated reporters must report any incident of alleged or suspected abuse, or a reasonable suspicion of abuse, which comes to their attention. As a mandated reporter, they are required to give their name. If they report something they learn about outside of work they could report it anonymously. All reports should be made immediately, or as soon as practically possible by telephone and mail (or fax) of the written report within 2 working days of learning the information. Mandated reporters include, but are not limited to: Health care practitioners, e.g. doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, and their office staff Members of the clergy when they receive information about alleged or suspected abuse NOT within the context of a "penitential communication." Adult personal care providers, e.g. attendants, day care staff, senior center staff Adult and Child Protective Services staff Law Enforcement Officers Medical Examiners   For information, advice and 24-hour emergency response   Click here for the TIES Line