Arkansas Law

§ 5-28-203. Persons required to report abuse.

(a)(1) Whenever any of the following has observed or has reasonable cause to suspect that an endangered or impaired adult has been subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation, as defined in this chapter, he or she shall immediately report or cause a report to be made in accordance with the provisions of this section:

          (A) A physician;

          (B) A surgeon;

          (C) A coroner;

          (D) A dentist;

          (E) An osteopath;

          (F) A resident intern;

          (G) A registered nurse;

          (H) Hospital personnel who are engaged in the administration, examination, care, or treatment of persons

          (I) Any social worker;

          (J) A case manager;

          (K) A case worker         

          (L) A mental health professional;

          (M) A peace officer

          (N) A law enforcement officer;

          (O) A facility administrator;

          (P) An employee in a facility; or

          (Q) An employee of the Department of Human Services.

               (2) Whenever a person is required to report under this chapter in his capacity as a member of the staff, an employee in a facility, or an employee of the Department of Human Services, he shall immediately notify the person in charge of the institution, facility, or agency, or his designated agent, who shall then become responsible for making a report or cause a report to be made.

              (3) In addition to those persons and officials required to report suspected adult abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, any other person may make a report if the person has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult has been abused, neglected, or exploited, as defined in this chapter.

(b)(1) A report required under this chapter shall be made to the central registry by the receiving agency for abused or neglected adults not residing in long-term care facilities.

              (2) A report for abused or neglected adults residing in a long-term care facility shall be made immediately to the local law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction in which the facility is located, and to the Office of Long-Term Care of the Division of Medical Services of the Department of Human Services pursuant to regulations of that office.

             (3) The Office of Long-Term Care shall notify the central registry and the office of the Attorney General.

(c) No privilege or contract shall relieve anyone required by this subchapter to make notification of the requirement of making notification.

History. Acts 1983, No. 452, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 59-1305; Acts 1988 (4th Ex. Sess.), No. 5, § 2; 1988 (4th Ex. Sess.), No. 15, § 2; 1993, No. 1292, § 6; 1995, No. 1296, § 4; 1995, No. 1338, § 2; 1999, No. 753, § 2.