As a medical care provider, your duty to report is a priority. Under mandatory reporting laws, you have a legal obligation to report instances of potential harm to vulnerable individuals.
It is important to understand how violations of mandatory reporting laws can affect your medical license and your future.
Can failure to report lead to disciplinary action?
Neglecting your mandatory reporting duty violates an important trust in the healthcare community. Failure to report also violates the law and can lead to a variety of complications.
- License revocation or suspension: The medical board may revoke your license or place you under suspension for failure to report.
- Fines: Financial penalties for failing to report can add up. When paired with the suspension or loss of your license, you may face financial difficulties.
- Reputational harm: Word spreads quickly in the medical community. You may experience damage to your reputation as well as loss of credibility and trust.
- Legal action: Failure to report may result in legal action. Legal challenges can prove costly and time-consuming.
These are a few common consequences of failure to report suspected abuse or neglect.
How can you mitigate the risks?
Although many mandatory reporting cases involve children, an estimated 10% of elderly individuals experience abuse or mistreatment as well. You can reduce your risk of mandatory reporting violations by understanding the laws and familiarizing yourself with common signs of abuse. Advocate for those patients who cannot do so for themselves with timely reports.
Adhering to mandatory reporting laws protects both your patients and your license.