NRS 451 Topic 1 DQ 3

Review your state’s mandated reporter statute. Provide details about this in your post. If faced with a mandated reporter issue, what are the steps in reporting the issue? Create a mandated reporter scenario and post it. Respond to one of your peer’s scenarios using the guidelines for submission/reporting in your state. Be sure to include a reference to your state’s website related to mandated reporting.

Maryland Reporter Statute: In Maryland, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately with an oral report then make a written report within 48 hours to the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). If the child is in immediate danger, we call 911 as well as Child Help (800-422-4453). A caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously. We also have civil and criminal immunity for reporting a suspected case of abuse. But there is criminal liability for NOT reporting such cases, and it is a disorderly person’s offense.

Scenario: An 83 year old man is admitted through the emergency room after a fall at home. He is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease and requires perpetual care. He is an affluent retired physician, and has a personal nurse who provides care throughout the day, and the family assumes duties when the nurse is not there. A CT scan reveals a subdural hematoma with midline shift, leaving the patient unable to communicate. Emergency brain surgery is successful in stopping the bleed and reducing pressure. The patient is then admitted to the Neuro ICU.

You report for duty in the NICU and are assigned this patient for your shift. While being given report and reading patient hx, you note that there is no mention of any contact being made to the NJ abuse line and they police are not involved to your knowledge. While conducting your initial patient assessment, you notice that the patient has old bruises on his left bicep that appear to be in the shape of a hand, showing four distinct fingers.

Reference

Local Offices. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://dhr.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/local-offices/