This Missouri statute requires specified professionals and caregivers—including healthcare workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and long-term care staff—to immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, or bullying of eligible adults to the state department. Any other person who becomes aware of such circumstances may also report voluntarily. Failure to report by mandatory reporters carries a criminal penalty under section 565.188. This is a general adult protective services mandatory reporting law, not a facility licensing or operating standards regulation.
View official source☰ Revisor of Missouri Constitution Committee Publications Other Links Help / FAQ Appendices and Tables Title XII PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE Chapter 192 < > • Effective - 28 Aug 2023, 3 histories 192.2405. Mandatory reporters--penalty for failure to report. — 1. The following persons shall be required to immediately report or cause a report to be made to the department under sections 192.2400 to 192.2470 : (1) Any person having reasonable cause to suspect that an eligible adult presents a likelihood of suffering serious physical harm, or bullying as defined in subdivision (2) of section 192.2400 , and is in need of protective services; and (2) Any adult day care worker, chiropractor, Christian Science practitioner, coroner, dentist, embalmer, employee of the departments of social services, mental health, or health and senior services, employee of a local area agency on aging or an organized area agency on aging program, emergency medical technician, firefighter, first responder, funeral director, home health agency, home health agency employee, hospital and clinic personnel engaged in the care or treatment of others, in-home services owner or provider, in-home services operator or employee, law enforcement officer, long-term care facility administrator or employee, medical examiner, medical resident or intern, mental health professional, minister, nurse, nurse practitioner, optometrist, other health practitioner, peace officer, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician, physician's assistant, podiatrist, probation or parole officer, psychologist, social worker, or other person with the responsibility for the care of an eligible adult who has reasonable cause to suspect that the eligible adult has been subjected to abuse or neglect or observes the eligible adult being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a duly ordained minister, clergy, religious worker, or Christian Science practitioner while functioning in his or her ministerial capacity shall not be required to report concerning a privileged communication made to him or her in his or her professional capacity. 2. Any other person who becomes aware of circumstances that may reasonably be expected to be the result of, or result in, abuse or neglect of an eligible adult may report to the department. 3. The penalty for failing to report as required under subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of this section is provided under section 565.188 . 4. As used in this section, "first responder" means any person trained and authorized by law or rule to render emergency medical assistance or treatment. Such persons may include, but shall not be limited to, emergency first responders, police officers, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians. -------- (L. 2014 S.B. 491 § 197.1002, A.L. 2016 H.B. 2332 merged with S.B. 732, A.L. 2023 H.B. 402 merged with S.B. 24 merged with S.B. 186) ---- end of effective 28 Aug 2023 ---- use this link to bookmark section 192.2405 - All versions Effective End 192.2405 8/28/2023 192.2405 1/1/2017 8/28/2016 192.2405 8/28/2016 8/28/2023 Click here for the Reorganization Act of 1974 - or - Concurrent Resolutions Having Force & Effect of Law In accordance with Section 3.090 , the language of statutory sections enacted during a legislative session are updated and available on this website on the effective date of such enacted statutory section. Other Information Recent Sections Editorials May Be Cited As Tables & Forms Multiple Enact Repeal & Transfer Definitions End Report Site changes Pictures Contact Other Links Legislative Research Oversight MOLIS Library MO WebMasters Missouri Senate MO.gov Missouri House Errors / suggestions - WebMaster@LR.mo.gov History and Fun Facts ©Missouri Legislature, all rights reserved.