XS
SM
MD
LG
XL
News & Knowledge

Virginia 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 (60 years of age or older) to their local Department of Social Services. The department may then assign a law enforcement officer to investigate the complaint. If an officer acting as an agent for the DSS requests information, then the patient’s or guardian’s consent is not necessary. However, the information given should be limited to the minimum necessary to fulfill the request.

IS A PHYSICIAN REQUIRED TO REPORT CASES OF SUSPECTED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Generally, a physician may not report domestic violence without 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