Mandated Reporting Obligations

Under state law and/or University policy, all UCR Health clinicians and clinic staff are deemed to be “Mandated Reporters.”  This means they are legally required to report the following five different categories of suspected harm:

1. Suspicious injuries (including any injury caused by a firearm or assaultive conduct)
2. Sexual assault/rape
3. Child abuse and/or neglect
4. Abuse or neglect of elders/dependent adults
5. An injury or condition resulting from the abuse or neglect of an individual transferred from another health care facility

A few key points about the mandatory reporting obligation:

• The report is triggered when there is an objectively reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect.
• Mandated reporters should not attempt to conduct their own fact findings.
• Fact finding will be performed by the authority receiving the report.
• Failure to report is punishable under state law.

School of Medicine Policy #950-12-019 (Mandated Reporting) explains the required timeframes for and methods of reporting each of these categories.  Please reach out to the Compliance Advisory Services department if you have questions or would like more information.