Mandatory reporting: child abuse and neglect, vulnerable adults, and other statutory duties
Mandatory reporting: child abuse, vulnerable adults, and other duties
This domain tests when confidentiality must yield to statutory reporting. Maryland uses a reasonable-suspicion standard; the reporter does not need proof.
Core rules
- Psychologists must report suspected child abuse or neglect under Family Law Article §5-704 to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement. Oral reports are made immediately, with a written report within 48 hours if required.
- Suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult must be reported under Health-General §14-302 to the local Department of Social Services.
- Reporting in good faith provides immunity. Failure to report can lead to criminal and Board sanctions.
- Confidentiality does not bar a required report. Report only the information needed, and document the report.
Worked example
A client discloses that her boyfriend burned her child. The psychologist must report immediately to DSS or law enforcement, even though the client is the source and asks for secrecy. The psychologist does not investigate; she reports the suspicion and documents dates and recipients.
Traps
Do not wait for certainty or for a colleague's opinion. Do not report only to a supervisor and assume the duty is fulfilled. Do not confuse the child protective standard with the vulnerable adult standard; both are mandatory but use different statutes and agencies.