When the Court Interprets Legislative Intent: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Nursing Regulation

Abstract

In 2009, a nurse was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child in violation of state law because the nurse did not report suspected sexual abuse of children. After an investigation and hearing, the board of nursing (BON) found the nurse guilty of unprofessional conduct and suspended her license for 2 years. On appeal, the superior court reversed the BON's decision because the suspected abuse was outside of the nurse's employment. This article reviews the legal and ethical basis for the BON's decision, the legal basis for the court's reversal, and the implications for BONs. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, mandated reporters, law, case summary

Citation

Russell, K. A., & Wade, A. R. (2015). When the Court Interprets Legislative Intent: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 6(1), 39-42.

DOI