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News & Knowledge

Delaware Handbook: Mandatory Reporting

IS A PHYSICIAN REQUIRED TO REPORT INJURIES RELATED TO SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE? WHAT ABOUT ELDERLY OR DISABLED ADULT ABUSE?

Yes. Physicians have a duty to report suspected abuse of children, disabled adults, and the elderly to the Delaware Division of Family Services, and may also report the information to any police officer.

With regard to suspected child abuse, Delaware code states that a person, agency, organization, or entity who knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect shall make a report. For purposes of this section, “person” shall include, but shall not be limited to, any physician, any other person in the healing arts including any person licensed to render services in medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry, any…

Curi’s risk mitigation resources and guidance are offered for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not medical or legal advice, does not replace independent professional judgment, does not constitute an endorsement of any kind, should not be deemed authoritative, and does not establish a standard of care in clinical settings or in courts of law. If you need legal advice, you should consult your independent/corporate counsel. We have found that using risk mitigation efforts can reduce malpractice risk; however, we do not make any guarantees that following these risk recommendations will prevent a complaint, claim, or suit from occurring, or mitigate the outcome(s) associated with any of them.

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