Reporting Child Abuse - It's a Must!
Unfortunately, there are aspects of society that we, as health
professionals, have to consider. One of these is child abuse. Every doctor should have a staff meeting with all the staff
and establish policy for reporting child abuse. Hopefully, no
one will have to deal with this subject, but you and your staff
should be aware that you are all a point of contact for reporting
abuse.
In most, if not all, states the doctor
and staff are a "point
of contact" for reporting child and elder abuse. What this
means is that all you have to do is suspect abuse and it must
be reported. If abuse is suspected, it should be reported to
the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS). You never
have to investigate the matter. This is up to DCFS. The number
for DCFS should be available for the office staff and an office
policy should be established in your office.
Remember that when you report the matter to DCFS, the records
of the child are now off limits to the parents. Parents typically
have the right to the minor's medical records, except in the
case of suspected child abuse.
Be aware of the clues for suspected abuse:
- Inconsistent or lack of history
- History of multiple doctors or hospitals
- Unusually shy or evasive behavior by the child
- Findings of cuts, bruises, welts or bite marks
- Cigarette burns
- Radiographic evidence of healed fractures
When in doubt, err on the side of child safety. It will probably
be rare that you come across this type of case, however one is
too many. If missed, the consequences to the doctor may be serious
including loss of license. Preparation is the best policy.
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