Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research
Children & Family Services
Committee
BILL ANALYSIS
HB 2829
Title: An act relating to child, adult dependent, and developmentally disabled person abuse.
Brief Description: Regarding reports of abuse to children, adults, and disabled persons.
Sponsors: Representatives Ballasiotes, Costa, O'Brien, Hatfield and Mitchell.
Meeting Date: February 3, 1998.
Bill Analysis Prepared by:Douglas Ruth (786-7134).
Background: Certain professionals are required by law to report incidents of abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or the developmentally disabled. A report must be made whenever there is reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect has occurred. These professionals include police officers, nurses, social service counselors, psychologists, pharmacists, licensed child care providers, juvenile probation officers and Department of Social and Health Services employees. Mandatory reporters who knowingly fail to make a report may be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Professionals making good faith, truthful reports are immune from civil or criminal liability arising out of the making such reports.
Summary of Bill: Religious volunteers and personnel working in a religious institution are added to the list of mandatory reporters. Members of the clergy or priests who in their professional capacity are told of abuse or neglect may not report the incident without the consent of the speaker.
Persons who are prevented from reporting due to threats or abuse are not criminally liable for not reporting.