Legal and Ethical Considerations of Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse (Q4 2023) (TX-143-24-019)-Legal and Ethical Considerations of Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse (Article)

Legal and Ethical Considerations of Mandated Reporting of Elder Abuse (Article)

Pdf Summary

The legal and ethical considerations of mandated reporting of elder abuse are discussed in this document. The term abuse is defined as the improper treatment of something to gain unfair benefit. Elder abuse can include financial malfeasance, sexual abuse, and drug abuse. Hearing healthcare providers have a professional and moral obligation to protect their patients and report witnessed wrongdoings. Elder abuse is more common than realized and can occur as elderly people lose their life skills. Reporting suspected abuse can be challenging and may damage patient-provider relationships. The term elder is typically defined as someone who is 60 years or older and may involve the presence of a disability or handicap. Elder abuse is a significant problem, with about five million Americans experiencing it annually. This represents about 6% of all considered elders being abused. Different forms of elder abuse include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation. There are various red flags to look out for potential abusers and victims, including psychiatric institutionalization, substance abuse, dependence on the victim for support, and low social support. Healthcare professionals are required to report suspected elder abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement or adult protective services. Failure to report can result in civil and criminal penalties. In healthcare professions, there is a fiduciary duty to disclose suspected abuse, which surpasses the protection provided by Good Samaritan laws. Clear and non-judgmental documentation is crucial when reporting suspected abuse. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of actively getting involved in preventing elder abuse and contacting the appropriate authorities when necessary.

Keywords

mandated reporting

elder abuse

financial malfeasance

sexual abuse

drug abuse

patient-provider relationships

disability

abandonment

red flags

healthcare professionals