mandatory reporting laws for elder abuse

California Welfare & Institutions Code, Section 15630: 'Reports must be made when the reporter in his or her professional capacity, or within the scope of his or her employment: has observed or had 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 abuse, abandonment, isolation, financial abuse or neglect.' Mandated reporters shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any report they are required or permitted to make under the law. Who is mandated ? 'Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility of care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including administrators, supervisors & any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for an elder or dependent adults, or any other dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or local law enforcement agency.' How are reports made ? Mandated reports are made as soon as possible by telephone, with a written report to follow within 2 working days to the agency receiving the telephone report. Where are reports made ? Adult Protective Services Centralized Intake Unit 3333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Telephone: 888 202-4248 Fax: 213 738-6845 After hours 877 477-3646 When abuse or neglect occurs in a long-term facility. Long Term Care Ombudsman 1527 4th Street, Suite 250 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Telephone: (800) 34-9473 Fax: (310) 395-4090 After hours (800) 231-4024 (State Crisis Line) Where to obtain copies of the report form ? California Department of Social Services Warehouse Post Office Box 980788 West Sacramento, CA 95798-0788 Fax: (916) 371-3518 Forms are in triplicate.

References

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting, A Guide for the Mandated Reporter, County of Los Angeles, 2001