Question

As an RN what would be the most challenging part of being a Mandated Abuse Reporter for you?

Answer 1

Mandated reporter is a person who is legally required to report any signs or symptoms of abuse that they see. Abuse may be different types like physical , sexual (rape, bad words), neglect , and emotional. The role of mandated reporter is to report th signs of abuse as early as possible to the concerned person.

Nurses, being the frontlines of healthcare, they are trained to identify the signs of abuse or neglect and need to report their findings infront of law. Failure of this may result disciplinary legal action taken against them.

Steps need to be taken by a mandated reporter if they suspect abuse of neglect

• Report it to a physician or to a supervisor.
• If the victim is with a suspected abuser, do the assessment
• in the absence of that person.
• Build up trust in patient and provide a calm and comfortable environment
• Approach the patient with care and concern
• Do a head to toe physical examination in order to identify any signs of physical abuse in the presence of a witness.
• Proper documentation of the findings ( verbal and non verbal behavior of patient and also from the suspected abuser)

Challenges of a mandator reporter

• Misinterpretation of law
• Lack of obvious to evidence
• Lack of knowledge
• Legal challenges
• Fear of negative impact
• Conflicts  
• Social stigma and cultural pressure
• Interrogations and physical examination may develop emotional trauma to the victim.