Missouri Laws 192.2405 – Mandatory reporters–penalty for failure to report
1. The following persons shall be required to immediately report or cause a report to be made to the department under sections 192.2400 to 192.2470:
(1) Any person having reasonable cause to suspect that an eligible adult presents a likelihood of suffering serious physical harm, or bullying as defined in subdivision (2) of section 192.2400, and is in need of protective services; and
Terms Used In Missouri Laws 192.2405
- following: when used by way of reference to any section of the statutes, mean the section next preceding or next following that in which the reference is made, unless some other section is expressly designated in the reference. See Missouri Laws 1.020
- person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Missouri Laws 1.020
- Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
(2) Any adult day care worker, chiropractor, Christian Science practitioner, coroner, dentist, embalmer, employee of the departments of social services, mental health, or health and senior services, employee of a local area agency on aging or an organized area agency on aging program, emergency medical technician, firefighter, first responder, funeral director, home health agency, home health agency employee, hospital and clinic personnel engaged in the care or treatment of others, in-home services owner or provider, in-home services operator or employee, law enforcement officer, long-term care facility administrator or employee, medical examiner, medical resident or intern, mental health professional, minister, nurse, nurse practitioner, optometrist, other health practitioner, peace officer, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician, physician’s assistant, podiatrist, probation or parole officer, psychologist, social worker, or other person with the responsibility for the care of an eligible adult who has reasonable cause to suspect that the eligible adult has been subjected to abuse or neglect or observes the eligible adult being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a duly ordained minister, clergy, religious worker, or Christian Science practitioner while functioning in his or her ministerial capacity shall not be required to report concerning a privileged communication made to him or her in his or her professional capacity.
2. Any other person who becomes aware of circumstances that may reasonably be expected to be the result of, or result in, abuse or neglect of an eligible adult may report to the department.
3. The penalty for failing to report as required under subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of this section is provided under section 565.188.
4. As used in this section, “first responder” means any person trained and authorized by law or rule to render emergency medical assistance or treatment. Such persons may include, but shall not be limited to, emergency first responders, police officers, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians.