XS
SM
MD
LG
XL
News & Knowledge

North Carolina 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 legal duty to report suspected abuse or neglect of children, disabled adults, and the elderly to the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county in which the child or adult resides. Physicians also must report the death of any minor caused by maltreatment to the DSS in the county in which the child resides. In the case of child abuse, a report also must be made to local law enforcement. North Carolina law requires healthcare facilities and physicians to report recurrent illness or serious physical injury that results from “non-accidental trauma” in children to BOTH law enforcement and the…

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.

READ NEXT