Title 31, Chapter 8, Section 82
( 31-8-82)
(a) Any: (1) Administrator, manager, physician, nurse, nurse's aide,
orderly, or other employee in a hospital or facility; (2) Medical examiner, dentist, osteopath, optometrist,
chiropractor, podiatrist, social worker, coroner, clergyman,
police officer, pharmacist, physical therapist, or psychologist;
or (3) Employee of a public or private agency engaged in professional
services to residents or responsible for inspection of long-term
care facilities who has knowledge that any resident or former resident has been
abused or exploited while residing in a long-term care facility
shall immediately make a report as described in subsection (c) of
this Code section by telephone or in person to the department. In
the event that an immediate report to the department is not
possible, the person shall make the report to the appropriate law
enforcement agency. Such person shall also make a written report to
the Department of Human Resources within 24 hours after making the
initial report. (b) Any other person who has knowledge that a resident or former
resident has been abused or exploited while residing in a facility
may report or cause a report to be made to the department or the
appropriate law enforcement agency. (c) A report of suspected abuse or exploitation shall include the
following: (1) The name and address of the person making the report unless
such person is not required to make a report; (2) The name and address of the resident or former resident; (3) The name and address of the facility; (4) The nature and extent of any injuries or the condition
resulting from the suspected abuse or exploitation; (5) The suspected cause of the abuse or exploitation; and (6) Any other information which the reporter believes might be
helpful in determining the cause of the resident's injuries or
condition and in determining the identity of the person or persons
responsible for the abuse or exploitation. (d) Upon receipt of a report of abuse or exploitation, the
department may notify the appropriate law enforcement agency. In the
event a report is made directly to a law enforcement agency, under
subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section, that agency shall
immediately notify the department. (e) The department shall maintain accurate records which shall
include all reports of abuse or exploitation, the results of all
investigations and administrative or judicial proceedings, and a
summary of actions taken to assist the resident. |