Tennessee mandated reporting Statutes are proposed and made law by the Tennessee State General Assembly (Legislature). Tennessee is a mandatory reporting state. To access a free training through the University of Tennessee on abuse and reporting, visit: Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Established in 1983, the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Reporting Requirements (T. Weekly / January 11 Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee publicly report deidentified data to inform partners and stakeholders of NAS incidence. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you should call the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-237-0004 to make a report. While you as a therapist have an essential responsibility as a mandated reporter, the TN Code § 38-1-101. Here's an overview of the general categories of situations where social workers are commonly mandated reporters--specific requirements can differ significantly between states and may change over time. The session between the reporter and the server is encrypted, using SSL, Secure Socket Layer technology. This guide helps you understand the reporting laws in. These four states also share data with other state and local agencies to inform community Tennessee law requires any person to report child abuse or vulnerable adult abuse to the Department of Children’s Services or the Department of Human Services. The alleged perpetrator is: A mandated reporter who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has died as a result of child abuse or neglect or sexual abuse shall report such suspicion to the medical examiner. "Abuse" exists when a person under the age of eighteen (18) is suffering from, has sustained, or may be in immediate danger of suffering from or sustaining a wound Tennessee. public health approach to the prevention of suicide in Tennessee. 478, relative to the sexual abuse of children. The medical examiner shall accept the report for investigation and shall report the medical examiner's findings, in writing, to the local law enforcement agency Healthcare providers are mandated reporters. A. The reporter How Can We Help? Any person who has knowledge that a child has been harmed by brutality, abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse must report. (a)(1) All hospitals, clinics, sanitariums, doctors, physicians, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, undertakers, embalmers, or other persons called upon to tender aid to persons suffering from any wound or other injury inflicted by means of a knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, or by other means of can-be-criminal/, (investigative report documenting that Tennessee’s “fetal assault” law in effect from 2014-2016 caused pregnant women to avoid healthcare and flee the state to give birth). 2024 Tennessee Code Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-101 — 37-11-103) Chapter 1 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 37-1-101 — 37-1-910) Part 4 - MANDATORY CHILD ABUSE REPORTS (§§ 37-1-401 — 37-1 2010 Tennessee Code Title 37 - Juveniles Chapter 1 - Juvenile Courts and Proceedings Reports involving known or suspected institutional child sexual abuse shall be made and received in the same manner as all other reports made pursuant to Acts 1985, ch. The reporting laws usually specify one or more agencies to which reports should be made. Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. The statute requires providers to discuss the character and the extent of the injuries. " In accordance with Tennessee law, teachers and other school personnel are mandated reporters. 37 In roughly two-thirds of states, mandated reporters have the option In Tennessee, BCBAs are mandated reporters but not RBTs. For reliable and valid reporting, tests must be administered fairly and ethically to all students. These often include the following: Social workers; Health-care professionals; Teachers; Child care providers; Law enforcement Tennessee Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-356-6767. In addition, reporting patients to law enforcement for self-managed abortion likely violates HIPAA and some state privacy laws. § 38-1-101): Healthcare providers are not required to report injuries to an adult victim of a sexual assault offense or domestic abuse if the victim objects to the release 2024 Tennessee Code Title 68 - HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (§§ 68-1-101 — 68-221-1319) Health (§§ 68-1-101 — 68-60-101) The report is not discoverable or admissible in any civil or administrative action, except that information in the report may be transmitted to an appropriate regulatory board having jurisdiction suicide. This 24-hour reporting line is run by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). Reporting your concerns is the law. 2. “Any such person” who “knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been sexually abused” must also report. Both have the force of law and may be used in the regulation of a profession. Explore educational resources to help navigate legal requirements and understand how to effectively report suspected elder or dependent adult abuse. 877-237-0004. Tennessee: Under Tennessee Code Title 71, Chapter 6, Part 1, mandated reporters of elder abuse include members are mandated by law to report child maltreatment. 36-3-621. immediately. us/. Legal Duty and Reporting Thresholds. (T/F) T. Even if an injury Call the Child Abuse Hotline to report child abuse or neglect in the State of Tennessee. University of Tennessee system APS staff assess the need for protective services and provide services to reduce the identified risk to the adult. If the incident involves suspected child abuse or child sexual abuse, report the incident to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services by calling the Central Intake Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-542-2873 or 1-877-237-0004 (in accordance with University of Tennessee Safety Policy 0575). Tennessee laws mandate reporting by any person who has knowledge of physical or mental harm to a child if: (1) the nature of the harm reasonably indicates it was caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect; or (2) on the basis of available information, the harm reasonably appears to have been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect. [403 and 605]Mandatory Reporters: Any person [403(a)(1)] Includes (but is not limited to) “(a)uthority figures at a community facility for educational, religious, social, health, or welfare purposes, including, The Tennessee mandatory reporting laws define a child as a person under 18 years of age. Tennessee law mandates reporting by any person who has knowledge of physical or mental harm to a child if: (1) the nature of the harm reasonably indicates it was caused by brutality, abuse, Who is a “Mandated” reporter of child abuse and neglect? Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter. Athletic Director Jesse Nayadley, basketball Coach Andre Montgomery, and Assistant Coach Karl Williams are charged with failure to report child abuse. Investigations of institutional child Welcome to Tennessee Child Abuse Reporting Training. In other cases, a report of child abuse or child sexual abuse must be made . due process procedures for release of child abuse/neglect records . Any person with reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused or neglected must, under the law, immediately report to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) or to local law enforcement. Additionally, health care providers It also addresses training requirements for mandatory reporters, reporting by other persons, the responsibilities of institutions in making reports, standards for making a report, privileged communications, and confidentiality of the reporter's identity. What Is Reportable “Abuse”: Physical, mental, or sexual abuse, or neglect. In most states, mandated reporters are designated by their profession. gov/carat/ Mandated reporting laws for social workers vary by state and jurisdiction. The 2021 Tennessee Code Title 37 - Juveniles Chapter 1 - Juvenile Courts and Proceedings Part 4 - Mandatory Child Abuse Reports. Reports of sexual abuse must be made immediately. S. Mandated reporters in the majority of states may notify the state or county agency (or its designee) responsible for social or human services, children and families, or child protection. The Tennessee mandatory reporting laws define a child as a person under 18 years of age. Rules and Regulations — Reports of Abuse or Neglect — Investigation — Providing Protective Services — Consent of Adult — Duties of Other Agencies Mandated reporters are people required by law to report suspected or known instances of abuse. Who is a “Mandated” reporter of child abuse and neglect? Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter. Other • Knowing failure to make a required report is a Class A misdemeanor. Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter. tennessee department of children’s services . weapon, wounds “by other means of violence,” poison, and some other conditions to law enforcement. Also, you may contact your local/regional DCS office to request training on how to prevent, recognize and respond appropriately to child Mandated reporters must report abuse, neglect, brutality and child sexual abuse as defined by Tennessee statutes 37-1-102 and 37-1-602 and legal guidance interpreting the statutes. Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter under state law. In other cases, a report of child abuse or child sexual abuse must be made immediately to one of the following four authorities: Confidentiality is central to the provider-patient relationship and a core part of medical ethics. most—families will get the resources they need as a result of a report to the. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Mandatory Reporters Should: Discover resources designed to help mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect understand their duty and navigate complex legal requirements. How to Report . The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 7. state. Included in this form are internal procedures, response times, and helpful hints on completing the Child Abuse Report form. While some States require all people to report, many States identify specific professionals as mandated reporters. In addition, this report highlights risk Research Tennessee state laws on mental health reporting, including what is regulated and what's not. Tennessee law requires that all persons must report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Spanish version: Information Poster Justia Free Databases of U. Justia Free Databases of U. Reporting is not resourcing, and not all—or even. The report alleges harm or imminent risk of harm to the child. gov Statutes. 3. Mandated reporters have the legal obligation to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Reports may be made via telephone, on the Department of Children’s Services hotline (1-877-542-2873 or 1-877-237-0004) or otherwise. “Any person” who knows of abuse or is called to render aid to a child suffering from abuse must report. table of contents . When is a report required and where does it go? Your report to Adult Protective Services is confidential. . This means that if they suspect child abuse or neglect, they must report it to the child protective agency in their state. That means if you have concerns about the safety or well-being of a child, you are legally required to call the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline to report them: 1-877-237-0004. This report describes deaths by suicide in Tennessee, along with the demographic characteristics of those deaths. hospitals must report gunshot wounds, strangulation, stab wounds, wounds from another deadly. What are the child abuse mandatory reporting obligations in Tennessee? The Child Abuse Hotline will gather sufficient information to determine if the report meets minimal criteria. 2021 Tennessee Code Title 71 - Welfare Chapter 6 - Programs and Services for Abused Persons Part 1 - Adult Protection § 71-6-103. How to Report Call 911 if the situation is a life threatening emergency. Tennessee is the only state with a statute that specifically makes it a crime to use drugs while pregnant. The reporter can remain anonymous. The report must meet the following criteria to be accepted for assignment: 1. Whether you are a healthcare worker, a teacher, or other professionals working with children, it is important to understand your reporting duties. as mandated by state law. The Board, following specific notice requirements and hearings, adopts rules. The transmission is secure. Regulations The requirements for reporting suspected abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult can vary greatly from state to state. RBTs are mandated reporters in Tennessee. 50 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on April 28, 2025. TCA 37-1-403 and TCA 37-1-605 law requires all persons to make a report when they suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation of Mandatory Reporting Requirements: The Elderly Tennessee Question Answer Who is required to report? Any person, including, but not limited to, a physician, nurse, social worker, Department of Human Services personnel, coroner, medical examiner, alternate care facility employee, or caretaker. Call the Tennessee Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services unit, toll-free at 888-277-8366. gov/carat/. States that have no mandated reporting laws; For example, a recently enacted Tennessee provision encourages healthcare providers to voluntarily report domestic violence injuries on a monthly basis to the Department of Health, Office of Health Statistics. gov Part 4 - Mandatory Child Abuse Reports. gov 222 Claxton Education Building 1122 Volunteer Boulevard Knoxville, TN 37996-3443 Office of School-Based Experiences Phone: 865-974-5203 Email: osbe@utk. The information below gives an overview of the requirements for making a report of child abuse or neglect in Tennessee. a mandated reporter shall make a report to an agency specified in Section 11165. Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman (For institutional abuse in a nursing home or long-term care facility. This publication presents a general overview of this aspect of child welfare law. Clergy members are also mandated reporters, though Tennessee law does not provide an absolute exemption for clergy-penitent privilege in child abuse cases. 9 whenever the mandated reporter, in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, has knowledge of or observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. 01 definitions . , 2003). But in some states, all adults are considered mandated reporters. 2024 Tennessee Code Title 71 - WELFARE (§§ 71-1-101 — 71-7-103) Chapter 6 - PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR ABUSED PERSONS (§§ 71-6-101 — 71-6-307) Part 1 - ADULT PROTECTION (§§ 71-6-101 — 71-6-126) Section 71-6-103 - Rules and regulations - Reports of abuse or neglect - Investigation - disclose their abuse to someone who is mandated to report it. Resources. It further creates a new reporting requirement for local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to report the names of the child abuse coordinators to the Reporting a patient, even with the hope of connecting the family to resources, often leads to more harm. 3,994,000 people across the country reported the suspicion of child abuse or neglect in 2019. § 37-1-403(a1)). ) Teresa Teeple State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability Andrew Jackson Building, 9th Floor 502 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243-0860 Tel: 615-925-1552. Child Protective Services – Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter under state law. Reports of sexual abuse must be made (a) (1) Any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition Tennessee’s relevant statutes for mandatory child abuse reports are found in Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, Chapter 1, Parts 1, 4, and 6 (Tenn. While in many states, specific occupations like doctors and teachers are mandated reporters, in Tennessee, it’s everyone. edu While in many states, specific occupations like doctors and teachers are mandated reporters, in Tennessee, it’s everyone. Reporting Tip Sheet (PDF) The document describes tips on California Mandated Reporting, laws, what must be reported, and how to file a report alleging child abuse or neglect. Report abuse: Call Toll Free 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or use secure site to report online. Test administrators must (a) A petitioner may, at the time of filing a petition for an order of protection, request that the court issue an order directing a wireless telephone service provider to transfer the billing responsibility for and rights to the wireless telephone number or numbers to the petitioner if the petitioner: (1) Is not the account holder; and (2) Proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the NASHVILLE--Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 11. Tennessee law requires individuals to report when they “know or have reasonable cause to suspect” that a child has been abused or neglected. to one of the following Please follow the link below to report suspicions of abuse/neglect of children when the suspected abuse/neglect took place in Tennessee. statute in 1985 by the Tennessee General Assembly, which enacted legislation requiring the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (TDCS) to develop a task force to address the mandated reporting. And in some states, drug use during pregnancy is part of 2023-2024 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services - TN. 02 scope of rules Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment when they are presented with a reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or maltreatment in a situation where a child, parent, or another person legally responsible for the child is before the mandated reporter when the mandated reporter is acting in his or her State and Statute: Tennessee, Code §§ 37-1-401 and 37-1-605 et seq. gov/carat/ Download an information poster with the hotline number you can display in your school, business, or church. 37-1-401 - Part definitions. Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Training. your state. Training link: https://www. If you see abuse — or even suspect that an adult is being abused, neglected or exploited — you must report it. Part Definitions § 37-1-402. If you suspect a child is being abused please call the child abuse hotline: 877-237-0004. Jennifer Nichols, the commissioner of the Department of Children’s Services for Tennessee, says that one statistic from the Justia Free Databases of U. Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin • Law enforcement officers (40 States, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands)6 Mandatory reporting laws, or mandated reporting, require therapists to report to authorities when a person is being harmed or is in danger of being harmed. Reports can be made anonymously, but anonymous reporters will not receive feedback on the agency’s response to the report. Health care providers; certain injuries; reports. Tennessee law regarding child abuse reporting mandates that any person having knowledge of or called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition which is of such a If the person reporting the incident is under the age of 18 and this is a case of suspected child abuse or child sexual abuse, report the incident to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services by calling the Central Intake Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-542-2873 or 1-877-237-0004. Check out this resource to learn more about your mandatory reporting obligations in Tennessee and where they intersect The Tennessee mandatory reporting laws define a child as a person under 18 years of age. Elder or Dependent Adult signed into law in Tennessee and went into effect on July 1, 2014 (Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-601). Reporting of Brutality, Abuse, Neglect or Child Sexual Abuse — Notification to Parents of Abuse on School Grounds or Under School Supervision — Confidentiality of Records mental health professionals to break confidentiality and report individuals who express that they are a serious threat to themselves, others, or target entities. TDMHSAS@tn. As far as who is required to report in Tennessee, all persons (not just certain professionals) must report knowledge of harm to a child (Tenn. In 2014, House Bill 14-1271 passed and Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-117 was amended, which meant that mental health providers became mandated to warn or protect a specific person Evaluation of State-Mandated Reporting of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome — Six States, 2013–2017. You can also report online at: https://apps. Any person with reasonable cause to Tennessee relies on state-mandated assessments as a key component of the state accountability program; the state also uses the test results to fulfill national requirements for educational accountability. Code Ann. External Steps for Reporting . Report forms available at: https://reportabuse. 3,994,000 people across the country reported the suspicion of child Timing/Other Procedures Reports may be made via telephone, on the Department of Children’s Services hotline (1-877-542-2873 or 1-877-237-0004) or otherwise. and . county/probate courts and chancery courts that have made the orders and adjudications listed above must report this fact to NICS and the Tennessee Justia Free Databases of U. 50 percent per annum. Find related gun law details from Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence today. Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403 (i) (1) requires all persons to report suspected As far as who is required to report in Tennessee, all persons (not just certain professionals) must report knowledge of harm to a child (Tenn. Your report is confidential, and it is not subject to public release under the Open Records Act. classification and review of reports of child abuse/neglect . Previous Next § 37-1-401. 2021 Tennessee Code Title 37 - Juveniles Chapter 1 - Juvenile Courts and Proceedings Part 4 - Mandatory Child Abuse Reports § 37-1-403. Purpose and Construction of Part § 37-1-403. In other cases, a report of child abuse or child sexual abuse must be made immediately to one of the following four authorities: • The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (reports can be made by calling the Abuse in Tennessee How Can I Report Suspicion of Elder Abuse in Tennessee? You may report suspected adult abuse, neglect or exploitation in Tennessee either online or you may call Adult Protective Services intake Hotline at: Reporters should be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the alleged victim, alleged To ensure the information you report is confidential, we have designed the web site so the information cannot be saved on your computer. Health care workers must report drug abuse abuse reporting procedures when the alleged abuse involves someone employed by, previously employed by, or otherwise affiliated with the school. Call 911 if the situation is a life threatening emergency. In other cases, a report of child abuse or child sexual abuse must be made immediately to one of the following four Regulations with regard to mandatory child abuse reporting are more effective in Tennessee than in many other state. Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Tennessee law mandates immediate reporting by: • any person; • who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to; • any child who is suffering from or has sustained; • any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition; • if the harm: • is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been A New York law enacted Jan. C. 15, 2013, moves that state's law from a permissive to a mandatory duty for mental health professionals to report when they believe patients may pose a danger to themselves or others but protects therapists from both civil and criminal liability for failure to report if they act "in good faith. family policing system. Reporting, by health care practitioners, injuries indicating domestic violence or domestic abuse. mandated compliance with inappropriate services and States that have no mandated reporting laws; For example, a recently enacted Tennessee provision encourages healthcare providers to voluntarily report domestic violence injuries on a monthly basis to the Department of Health, Office of Health Statistics. This law encourages schools across the state to provide age-appropriate instruction to students on personal body safety and how to report sexual abuse, including such abuse which may occur in the child’s home for grades K-12. Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403(i) (1) requires all persons to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. WHO SHOULD I TELL? If the abuse is happening now, call 911. Tennessee Child Abuse Reporting Release Date: February 19, 2023 Who do I contact to report an incident in Tennessee? Call the Child Abuse Hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect at 877-237-0004 or reporting can be done through this direct link: https://apps. child protective services . Read the statutes below for definitions of abuse, reporting procedures, and exceptions to mandatory reporting obligations. chapter 0250-07-09 . The law provides for immunity from civil or criminal liabilities for innocent persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long as your report is made in good faith. require certain individuals to report the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elderly adults. Johnson calls the mandatory child abuse reporting law, the three Justia Free Databases of U. The report pertains to a child under the age of 18 years. Nashville, TN 37243-1403 (615) 313-4700 2010 Tennessee Code Title 36 - Domestic Relations Chapter 3 - Marriage Part 6 - Domestic Abuse 36-3-621 - Reporting, by health care practitioners, injuries indicating domestic violence or domestic abuse. Reporting of Brutality, Abuse, Neglect or Child Sexual Abuse — Notification to Parents of Abuse on School Grounds or Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Marie Williams, Commissioner 500 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243 OCA. That means that if an RBT suspects abuse/neglect, you are required to report it. 0250-07-09-. For being a social worker, it's essential to familiarize yourself with Federal laws such as the Elder Justice Act and state laws throughout the U. 2024 Tennessee Code Title 37 - JUVENILES (§§ 37-1-101 — 37-11-103) Chapter 1 - JUVENILE COURTS AND PROCEEDINGS (§§ 37-1-101 — 37-1-910) Part 4 - MANDATORY CHILD ABUSE REPORTS (§§ 37-1-401 — 37-1-415) Section 37-1-403 - Reporting of brutality, abuse, neglect or child sexual abuse - Tennessee (1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse? Yes. In Alabama and South Carolina, high courts have interpreted existing child endangerment and chemical endangerment statutes to allow prosecution of drug-using pregnant women and new mothers. Victim service providers should be careful not to over report child abuse. Each State has its own requirements in place governing who is required to report suspected child abuse and neglect, how to file a report, and what information that report should include. Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter under state law. The report also describes emergency department and hospitalization visits for suicide attempt and ideation. 37-1-402 - Purpose and construction of part. Reports also can be made online on our secure site. Mandated reporting laws require certain professionals to report child abuse and neglect concerns. The report is not to reveal the name or identification of the patient. tn. Laws, Codes & Statutes. Direct link: https://apps. Any person with reasonable cause to believe a child is being abused or neglected must, under the law, immediately report to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services or to local law enforcement. bjnx licykrsj ytni mfteh auuxg vshdy iawok vipu zwhgi nylmk psqwm dxunw vcas urvnodk qwlw