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COA Facts

Reporting Abuse

Child Abuse

When must I report child abuse? Health care providers are required to report if, in his or her professional capacity, they know of or have "reasonable suspicion" of child abuse or neglect, encountered in the scope of their employment.

California law defines child abuse as any of the following:  A child is physically injured by other than accidental means.  A child is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment.  A child is abused or exploited sexually.  A child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision.

How do I report child abuse? If the child is in immediate danger, dial 911. Otherwise, use the following procedures:  Call a "Child Protective Agency" or law enforcement as soon as possible to make verbal report.  Then, file a written report on Department of Justice Suspected Child Abuse Report Form SS 8572 within 36 hours of their verbal report.

Elder Abuse

When must I report elder abuse? Health care providers are required to report if, in his or her professional capacity, they have observed, suspects, or has knowledge of an incident that reasonably appears to be physical abuse (including sexual abuse), abandonment, isolation, financial abuse abduction, or neglect (including self-neglect), or is told by an elder or a dependent adult that he or she has experienced behavior constituting physical abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse, abduction, or neglect.

How do I report elder abuse? If the person is in immediate danger, dial 911. Otherwise, use the following procedures:  If the abuse occurred in a community setting: The report should be made to either the Adult Protective Services or law enforcement.  If the abuse occurred in a long-term care facility: The report should be made to either the Local Ombudsman Program or law enforcement. The phone number of the Local Ombudsman Office can be obtained by calling 1-800-231-4024.  For reports of abuse by a member of a hospital or health clinic, you should also file a complaint with the Licensing & Certification program of the California Department of Health Services

Then, file a written report on Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse, SOC 341 within two days of making the telephone report.

Domestic Violence/Other Forms of Abuse

When must I report domestic violence or other forms of abuse? Any health practitioner employed in a health facility, clinic, physician’s office, local or state public health department, or clinic or other facility operated by a local or state public health department, is required to make a report if they provide medical services to a patient whom they suspect is suffering from a physical injury due to a firearm or assaultive or abusive conduct.

Reporting Abuse

How do I report domestic violence or other forms of abuse? A telephone report must be made immediately or as soon as practically possible to the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the location in which the injury was sustained. A written report must be sent within two working days. Use the OCJP 920: Suspicious Injury Report Form to make the report. Download the instructions here.

Note: Information contained in this publication is offered as an aid to mandated reporters in reporting suspected abuse. It clarifies basic information. It is not meant to be all inclusive and cover all situations. Nor should it be considered legal advice.