Name three situations when a healthcare professional must report suspected abuse of a child or elder.

• A. Suspected physical abuse.
• B. Suspected neglect.
• C. Suspected sexual abuse.
• D. Suspected physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.

Answer: (D)

Health professionals are legally obligated to report any suspected abuse of children or elders, and that duty spans multiple forms of abuse. The three common reportable forms are physical abuse (harm or injury caused by physical force), neglect (failure to provide basic needs, care, or safe supervision), and sexual abuse (unwanted sexual contact or exploitation). Because abuse can present in any of these ways, and sometimes in combination, the requirement is to report when there is any suspicion of any of these types. This ensures the safety of the patient and allows protective services to investigate. While some places also recognize other forms like emotional abuse or exploitation, the essential point here is that suspected physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse must be reported.