how to report a nurse of patient abuse in massachusetts without getting myself into trouble

by Madalyn Spencer V 10 min read

Nursing mandatory abuse reporting | Mass.gov

26 hours ago If you are a nurse who suspects abuse, neglect, mistreatment and/or misappropriation must immediately make an oral report to your supervisor or employer. Upon receiving such report, your supervisor or employer must immediately notify the Department of Public Health (DPH) by oral communication, an electronically transmitted report, or facsimile. >> Go To The Portal


If a nurse suspects abuse or neglect, they should first report it to a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Notifying a supervisor may also be required, depending on the workplace. If the victim is with a suspected abuser, the exam should take place without that person in the room.

Full Answer

What are the rules for reporting patient abuse in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 111, Section 72G requires that nurses who have reasonable cause to suspect patient or resident abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and/or misappropriation of their property must report the situation. As stated in 105 CMR 155.003, abuse includes:

What happens if a nurse fails to report suspected abuse?

Punishment for failing to make a required oral or written report of suspected abuse is a fine of up to $1,000 and disciplinary action by the board. Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 119, Section 51A requires that nurses who have reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from:

What is the Massachusetts law on nursing abuse?

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 19C, Section 10 requires that nurses who have reasonable cause to believe that a person with disabilities is abused must report the situation to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC).

Who can report nursing law violations?

Any person who has knowledge of conduct by a licensed nurse that may violate a nursing law or rule or related state or federal law may report the alleged violation to the board of nursing where the conduct occurred.

What would you do if you suspected a nurse abusing patient?

If a nurse suspects abuse or neglect, they should first report it to a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Notifying a supervisor may also be required, depending on the workplace.

What is considered abuse by a nurse?

Nursing home abuse occurs when caretakers harm residents of long-term care facilities. Both intentional and unintentional harm may be considered abuse. It can result in trauma, medical emergencies, and even death.

Which types of abuse are the nurse required to report?

Scenarios involved can include physical, mental, and financial abuse, neglect including abandonment, restriction of food, fluids, or hygiene, and preventing an adult or from receiving appropriate medical care.

What is mandatory reporting in nursing?

Mandatory reporting is a term used to describe the legislative requirement imposed on selected classes of people to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and 'notifiable conduct' by another practitioner to government authorities.

What are the 4 types of abuse in healthcare?

Abandonment. Emotional abuse. Financial exploitation. Neglect of a resident's basic needs.

What is considered patient abuse?

Patient abuse or neglect is any action or failure to act which causes unreasonable suffering, misery or harm to the patient. Elder abuse is classified as patient abuse of those older that 60 and forms a large proportion of patient abuse. Abuse includes physically striking or sexually assaulting a patient.

What should you do if you witness abuse or neglect of a patient?

Discuss any suspicion of abuse sensitively with the patient, whether or not reporting is legally mandated, and direct the patient to appropriate community resources. Report suspected violence and abuse in keeping with applicable requirements.

What types of abuse have to be reported?

that California law requires mandatory reporting of known or suspected:• Child abuse and neglect.• Elder and dependent adult abuse.• Domestic violence.

What are the nurses roles in preventing reporting and treating elder abuse?

Nurses have a responsibility to identify when abuse may be perpetrated and to assess the context, ensuring appropriate responses are undertaken. A knowledge of barriers to disclosure is also essential, as well as ensuring that the voice of the older person is prioritized in case management.

What process would you follow to report a form of abuse in aged care?

Call 1800 628 221. Any- one can make the call. “We all have the right to live free from abuse of any kind.

What are the 7 steps to follow if you suspect abuse has occurred?

Seven Steps to Protecting ChildrenStep 1 – Learn the Facts. Understand the Risks. ... Step 2—Minimize opportunity. ... Step 3—Talk about it. ... Step 4—Stay alert. ... Step 5—Make a plan. ... Step 6—Act on suspicions. ... Step 7—Get involved.

What are the requirements of staff members in reporting reportable assaults?

The requirement to report reportable assaults under section 63-lAA of the Act does not apply to later allegations which could indude the following: (a) related to the same, or substantially the same, factual situation or event as an earlier allegation; (b) has previously been reported to a Police Officer and the ...