Question

Most states have laws requiring mandatory reporting for suspicion of child abuse as a condition of professional licensure. Research the law of the state in which you plan to be licensed as an RN and consider the information as you respond to this discussion.

Read the following resources before posting to the discussion:

• Muller, L., & Fink-Samnick, E. (2015). Mandatory Reporting: Let’s Clear Up the Confusion. Professional Case Management, 20(4), 199-203. DOI: 10.1097/NCM.0000000000000102
• New York State Office of Children and Family Services. (2016). Summary guide for mandated reporters in New York State. Retrieved from http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/publications/Pub1159.pdf

Initial Discussion Post:

Address the following:

• Discuss the common ethical and legal implications of mandatory reporting for nurses regardless of the state in which a Registered Nurse practices.
• Do the mandatory reporting laws ensure children will be protected? Explain your response.
• How would the RN overcome the feeling of hesitation to report suspected child abuse?

Answer 1

The federal and the state laws require that individuals working in the health care should work with children, the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Nurses are listed in most, if not all, mandatory reporting statutes. There are common ethical and legal implications of mandatory reporting for nurses regardless of the state in which a Registered Nurse practices. Common ethical and legal implications of mandatory reporting for nurses include;

If you as a nurse fail to put on notice a case of violence when required to do so, you could face professional disciplinary action by the state board of nursing, a loss of any certifications you hold and even criminal charges

A nurse must report the patent’s concerns irrespective of the directive by on of the colleague, friend, relative or a family member.

Nurses should have a good faith belief that an injury or injuries are the results of abuse or neglect. A nurse has a mandatory duty to report any sign of physical abuse.

Nurses should keep the provided report confidential and the reporter’s identity should not be revealed to the public

Nurses are required to watch, look and listen to their patients to gather as much information as possible on the patient’s concerns

Nurses are also required to assess the patient constantly for any signs of mental anguish, financial abuse, unusual behavior and physical abuse

Nurses are also required to file the reports accurately including all content the agency report requires

Yes, I agree, mandatory reporting laws ensure children will be protected. This is because the reporter and the abused children enjoys immunity from civil, criminal and professional licensure actions if the report meets criteria

While there is a feeling of hesitation to report suspected child abuse is common, the RN can overcome this feeling. The RN should first be aware that it is his or her duty to report suspected child abuse and should not hesitate to report. The also report the issue in private and should not notify the parent and the colleague as they may plead with him or her to stop reporting the issue. Additionally, the RN can overcome the feeling of hesitation by sharing his or her concerns with the individuals identified in the facility or agency for example as CNO, administrator a risk manager. One can also consult with an attorney to help with the reporting

References:                                   

Muller, L., & Fink-Samnick, E. (2015).Mandatory Reporting: Let's Clear Up the Confusion.Professional Case Management, 20(4), 199-203.

DOI: 10.1097/NCM.0000000000000102

New York State Office of Children and Family Services. (2016).Summary guide for mandated reporters in New York State. Retrieved from http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/publications/Pub1159.pdf