Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

66 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

A new category of reporters has emerged in some states called permissive or voluntary reporters . These are any person who is concerned about situations of abuse or neglect—regardless of their profession. Permissive reporting laws raise many ethical concerns. While mandatory reporting laws are required by law and leave no room for judgment on the part of the reporter, and failure to report could lead to civil penalties and problems with professional regulatory boards, this is not true for voluntary reporters. Implicit bias (also called subconscious bias) may lead a person to be more suspicious of someone because of their sex, socioeconomic status, cultural group or religious belief. Some people are concerned about the implicit bias of mandatory reporters and not just of permissive reporters. 79 How to Report If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the equivalent emergency police number for your area. If you suspect abuse or neglect of a child or dependent adult, including a person with a disability or an older adult, what you do next may depend on your practice setting. For example, suppose you work in a spa or medical clinic and the suspected abused or neglected person is a client. In that case, the policy is often to report your observations or suspicions to your supervisor. The supervisor is then responsible for making the report. Talk to your supervisor for the proper protocol. If there is no protocol or you work in your own private office or home, contact protective services. When reporting, include all known information about the suspected neglect or abuse, and your contact information. In most states, reports are made anonymously with no legal consequences, referred to as immunity for good faith reporting. 78 Inclusion in the workplace fosters dignity, respect and compassion for the diversity of

Child Safety Statistics 1962

the year child abuse became part of the public conversation 3.1 million cases of child abuse or neglect were investigated in 2020 618,000 cases resulted in a positive finding of abuse

of unsubstantiated cases. Referrals increase each year, but the number of validated cases remains low and is approximately the same or has declined each calendar year. This may be a direct response to the reporting mandates. 77 More than 3.1 million cases of child abuse or neglect were investigated in 2020. Investigations that resulted in a positive finding of abuse totaled 618,000. 76 Approximately one in six people aged 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse living in community settings. 77 Who are Mandatory Reporters? Most states require helping professionals on the front lines to report―school personnel, childcare providers, clergy, coaches, counselors, social workers, health care providers, first responders and law enforcement officers. However, individuals mandated to report also vary by state. Know the requirements for mandatory reporting in the state where you are working or plan to work. 78

GET CREDIT Go to amtamassage.org/ learn , where you can purchase the course “Creating an Inclusive Massage Therapy Practice for Clients with Disabilities and Impairments” and take the final exam to earn CE credits or scan here to get started.

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