Professionals in Health

1. Professionals in Health Mandatory Reporting

2. Child Abuse • Iowa has a mandatory reporting law for child abuse. • Requires that certain workers receive training. • Usually provided by employer or continuing education • This unit is an overview of the law.

3. Definition of Child Abuse • The victim of child abuse is a person under the age of 18 who has suffered one or more of the six categories of child abuse as defined in the Iowa code.

4. 6 Categories • Physical Abuse • Mental Injury • Sexual Abuse • Denial of Critical Care • Child Prostitution • Presence of Illegal Drugs

5. Mandatory Reporters • Are typically employed in one of the following fields: • Medicine/Health Care • Social Work • Child Care • Mental Health • Education • Law Enforcement

6. Dependent Adult Abuse • Iowa has a mandatory reporting law for dependant adult abuse. • Requires certain workers receive training. • Training is usually provided by employer or through continuing education. • This information is an overview

7. Definition of Dependent Adult Abuse • Any of four categories of abuse as the result of willful or negligent acts or omissions of a caretaker.

8. 4 Categories • Physical Abuse • Sexual Abuse • Financial Exploitations • Denial of Critical Care

9. Definition of Dependent Adult • A person eighteen years of age or older who is unable to protect the person’s own interests or unable to adequately perform or obtain services necessary to meet essential human needs, as a result of a physical or mental conditions which requires assistance from another.

10. Definition of a Caretaker • A related or non-related person who has the responsibility for the protection, care, or custody of a dependent adult as a result of assuming the responsibility voluntarily, by contract, through employment, or by order of the court.

11. Mandatory Reporters • Health Care Practitioners • Social Workers • Peace Officers • Home Health Aides • Inspectors of group homes or long term care facilities.