Reporting maltreatment
A mandated reporter who suspects a vulnerable adult was maltreated is required to report to MAARC.
A report means a statement concerning all the circumstances known to the reporter at the time the statement is made surrounding the alleged or suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult.
The standard for making a report is “suspected maltreatment of a vulnerable adult”. The reporter does not need first-hand knowledge or evidence of the incident of suspected maltreatment, or of the adult’s diagnosis or impairment.
A mandated reporter who has reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is being or has been maltreated, or who has knowledge that a vulnerable adult has sustained a physical injury which is not reasonably explained shall immediately (as soon as possible, but within 24 hours) make an oral report of the information to the Common Entry Point operating as the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC). A mandated reporter may disclose not public data and medical records to the extent necessary to comply with reporting duties.
Information needed
Information that will be helpful to have on hand when making a report includes:
- Your name and contact information (are you calling as a facility designated reporter?)
- How you know about the situation; your relationship, your relationship to the vulnerable adult
- Name, age, address, identifying information and the current location of the vulnerable adult
- Current injuries, medical problems, or disabilities
- Needs for assistance and any services received by the vulnerable adult
- Name and address of alleged perpetrator
- Relationship of the alleged perpetrator and the vulnerable adult
- Any evidence of previous maltreatment
- Location of the incident and any other information that you believe might be helpful in investigating the suspected maltreatment
- Names of witnesses, relatives, guardian, licensed providers, or concerned parties
- Actions taken to protect the vulnerable adult
- Risk of imminent danger to the person who is vulnerable
