Information For Mandated Reporters

Instantly Access: Mandated Report Online Training

Most people who work with elders or disabled adults are mandated reporters under state law. To determine whether you are a mandated reporter, please review Welfare and Institution Code Section 15630, which reads in part:

“Any person who has assumed full or intermittent responsibility for care or custody of an elder or dependent adult, whether or not that person receives compensation, including administrators, supervisors, and any licensed staff of a public or private facility that provides care or services for elder or dependent adults, or any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or a local law enforcement agency is a mandated reporter.”

Mandated reporters are required to report suspected abuse or neglect by phone as soon as possible and follow up with a completed written report (see link below for form) within two days. Failure to report abuse of an elder or dependent adult is a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than six months in the county jail or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine. Any mandated reporter who willfully fails to report abuse where the abuse results in death or great bodily injury, may be punished by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

The following forms are to assist you in filing your report of suspected dependent adult or elder abuse. If you are employed by a financial institution, please complete form SOC 342. All other persons should complete form SOC 341.