Share cultural considerations that may impact the legal or ethical issues present in their articles.

The United States has established laws in place for reporting suspected neglect or abuse in vulnerable populations. These laws may also vary by state and can include populations such as children up to 18 years old and the elderly (Thomas & Reeves, 2023). Abuse and neglect affects one in eight children up to age 18 and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality (Thomas & Reeves, 2023). Abuse and neglect are also common among the elderly, which affects 10% of the population over the age of 60 but is often underreported (Thomas & Reeves, 2023).

Legal Considerations for Reporting Abuse & Neglect in Children & the Elderly

Health care workers are considered mandated reporters in cases of suspected abuse or neglect of a child or elderly patient. If abuse or neglect is suspected a health care providershouldperform a thorough assessment including diagnostics and report the findings to proper authorities (Thomas & Reeves, 2023).

Education on how to recognize and report abuse and neglect should be provided to every health care worker as there is a legal obligation to report these cases. Renninger et al., state that policies need to be created by healthcare organizations that outline what is legally reportable, who to contact, and how to file a report to ensure the process is completed correctly, and to avoid underreporting (2002).

Ethical Considerations for Reporting Abuse & Neglect in Children & the Elderly

Forsner et al., completed a mixed method study to discover the reasoning for underreporting in child abuse cases. Their research concluded ethical conflicts arise regarding decision making. Examples of these ethical conflicts include the child's best interest, the reporter's safety, and the child/parent relationship (Forsner et al., 2020).

Saghafi et al., completed a systematic review discussing ethical considerations in managing elder abuse.Their research showed that ethical dilemmas can arise in various cultures who have different meanings of abuse. In the elderly, ethical principles such as autonomy and competence must be considered (Saghafi et al., 2019). Health care providers need to protect their patient's autonomy and keep their health and wellness in mind.

Reporting Abuse & Neglect in Michigan

In Michigan if there is a case of suspected child abuse or neglect it needs to be reported to 855-444-3911. For the case to be investigated it must meet three criteria. 1) The alleged victim must be under 18 years old. 2) The alleged perpetrator is a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's health and welfare. 3) The allegations minimally meet the child abuse and neglect definitions in the Child Protection Law. Mandated reporters are required by the Child Protection Law to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Signs of abuse and neglect in children include unattended medical needs, lack of supervision, signs of hunger, stealing food, unexplained bruises, adult bite marks, puncture wounds, STI's, sexual behaviors, and suicide attempts (Reporting Process, n.d.).

To receive resources on elder abuse in Michigan, contact 800-24-ABUSE. To report elder abuse in Michigan, contact 855-444-3911. Warning signs of elder abuse include dehydration, missing medication doses, poor hygiene, unsanitary living conditions, increased anxiety, refusing to speak if their caregiver is present, and unexpected changes in the patient's will. In Michigan, a mandated reporter MUST file a report with Adult Protective Services (APS) if abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult is suspected (Elder Abuse, n.d.).

As a psychiatric nurse and health care provider I am considered a mandated reporter.

References

Saghafi, A., Bahramnezhad, F., Poormollamirza, A., Dadgari, A., & Navab, E. (2019). Examining the ethical challenges in managing elder abuse: a systematic review.Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine,12, 7.

Forsner, M., Elvhage, G., Ewalds-Kvist, B. M., & Ltzn, K. (2021). Moral Challenges When Suspecting Abuse and Neglect in School Children: A Mixed Method Study.Child & adolescent social work journal : C & A,38(6), 599-610.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-020-00680-6Links to an external site.

Thomas, R., & Reeves, M. (2023). Mandatory Reporting Laws. InStatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

Renninger, S. M., Veach, P. M., & Bagdade, P. (2002). Psychologists' knowledge, opinions, and decision-making processes regarding child abuse and neglect reporting laws.Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 33(1), 19-23.https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.33.1.19Links to an external site.

Elder abuse. (n.d.).https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/elder-abuseLinks to an external site.

Reporting process. (n.d.).https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/report-processLinks to an external site.

Articles

Child Abuse Reporting Laws.pdfDownload Child Abuse Reporting Laws.pdf

Ethical Issues in managing elder abuse.pdfDownload Ethical Issues in managing elder abuse.pdf

Mandatory Reporting Laws.pdfDownload Mandatory Reporting Laws.pdf

MIChildAbuse.pdfDownload MIChildAbuse.pdf

MIElderAbuse.pdfDownload MIElderAbuse.pdf

Moral challenges when suspecting abuse and neglect in children.pdfDownload Moral challenges when suspecting abuse and neglect in children.pdf