What are the sanctions for failure to report abuse?
ANSWER That depends on the state. People who are required to report elder abuse who fail to fulfill their responsibilities may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and either jailed or fined. Some state laws provide that such a person may be held liable for damages incurred by an abused person as a result of failure to make a report. In addition, some statutes specify that a mandated reporter who is a licensed professional may be reported to the appropriate licensing authority for failure to report. Some states, on the other hand, impose no sanctions. Every state has at least one statute providing immunity from civil and/or criminal liability to anyone who makes a report of abuse in good faith. Most such statues also provide that the immunity doesn’t apply if the person making the report is also the person who committed the abuse that was reported.
