What it means
Laws require nurses and other professionals to report some situations. These include suspected abuse or neglect of a child, an older adult or a dependent adult, certain communicable diseases, and in many states certain injuries such as gunshot wounds. The rules differ by state and country. A person who must report is called a mandatory or mandated reporter.
For the nurse
You only need a reasonable suspicion, not proof, to report. Follow your facility's process and state law, and document what you saw and heard in objective terms. Reporting in good faith is legally protected.
At a glance
| Also written | mandatory reporter, mandatory reporters, mandated reporter, mandated reporters |
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Related terms
contusion
A bruise: an injury that breaks small blood vessels under the skin or in an organ without breaking the skin.
communicable disease
A disease that can spread from one person, or animal, to another.
objective data
Information the nurse can observe, measure or test, such as vital signs, exam findings and lab results.