HB 268 (Committee Substitute)

Amends current code to require that persons listed as mandated reports of child abuse, report when there is reasonable cause to believe that suspected child abuse has occured.

Mandated reporters with reliable information that abuse has occurred, must report to the person in charge of the facility or their designee and that person shall report or cause to be reported without exercising any control, restraint, or modification or make any other change to the information provided to them by the mandated reporter to the appropriate authorities.

Reports are to be made immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe child abuse has occurred either orally by telephone or other oral communication or in writting by electronic submission or facimile.  Electronic reports are to be made in the manner specified by the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services.  Oral reports are to be followed up with a written report, if so requested.