Understanding your role as a mandatory reporter is crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals. This guide provides comprehensive information about mandatory reporting, focusing on the requirements and guidelines, especially in the context of Iowa regulations. If you’re asking “What Is The Mandatory Reporter Guide,” you’ve come to the right place to gain clarity and ensure compliance.
Core Requirements and Certification
All valid Mandatory Reporter Training certificates issued before July 1, 2019, were valid for five years. Since July 1, 2019, the core mandatory reporter training provided by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the only training that allows mandatory reporters in Iowa to maintain their certification. The previously available 1-hour recertification training is no longer offered. Every mandatory reporter in Iowa must complete the core child and/or dependent adult abuse mandatory reporter training, provided by HHS, within six months of initial employment or self-employment, and every three years thereafter.
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Responsibilities of Employees and Employers
Both the employee and the employer share the responsibility of ensuring compliance with the law. It’s the employee’s duty to maintain records of their certification and provide them to the employer to demonstrate that they are up-to-date on the statutory requirements of mandatory reporting. Simultaneously, the employer must ensure they have a record of their employees’ certifications to document that their employees are compliant with the mandatory reporting requirements.
Verifying Certificate Validity
If you doubt the validity of an HHS certificate presented by an employee as proof of mandatory reporter training completion, you can contact [email protected] for questions regarding the validity of training certificates for child abuse or dependent adult abuse.
Determining if You Are a Mandatory Reporter
Iowa Code 232.69(1) and Iowa Code 235B.3(2) define mandatory reporters in Iowa. To determine if your employment falls within these categories, consult Iowa Code and speak with your employer. For further clarification, seek legal advice from a qualified legal professional, as HHS cannot provide legal advice.
Alt: Legal documents and code references related to mandatory reporting requirements and responsibilities.
Training Curriculum and Approval
HHS is responsible for developing and providing all training for mandatory reporters in Iowa. The Department of Public Health no longer reviews or approves the Mandatory Reporter Training curriculum.
Validity of Prior Certifications
Any certification acquired before July 1, 2019, from a provider approved by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) remains valid for five years. A list of all IDPH-approved mandatory reporter training provider numbers is available here.
Training Requirements in Iowa
Mandatory Reporter Training taken in another state doesn’t meet the training requirements in Iowa. Anyone practicing in Iowa as a mandatory reporter must complete the Iowa Mandatory Reporter Training to ensure knowledge of Iowa Code and how the state defines abuse.
Training Costs and Timeframe
The mandatory reporter trainings are free for everyone. Mandatory reporters for child abuse and dependent adult abuse have the same timeframe for completion. Anyone required to report suspected abuse as defined in Iowa Code 232.69(1) and Iowa Code 235B.3(2) must complete the training within their first six months of employment or self-employment and every three years thereafter, unless specified otherwise by federal regulations. If your employment requires you to report both child abuse and dependent adult abuse, you must take both trainings and maintain certification for each curriculum.
Accessing Training Completion Reports
HHS cannot provide reports regarding who has completed the training. All training participants who successfully complete the training receive a training certificate, which they can email, download, and print. This certification is retained in the participant’s training account and can be accessed at any time. Employers should provide clear instructions to their employees on how their organization will track training completion.
Separate Curricula
The child and dependent adult abuse trainings are no longer combined into a single 2-hour training. Separate curricula are available for child abuse and dependent adult abuse, each with its own certification.
Recertification Frequency and Reminders
Mandatory reporters must recertify every three years to remain compliant with the law. HHS’ LMS does not currently send reminders when the 3-year certification is about to expire. Mandatory reporters are responsible for keeping their certification current. Participants can access their individual account at any time to review their last certification, including the completion date.
Technical Support
For technical issues, contact [email protected] for assistance.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
The Iowa Board of Social Work states that it’s the licensees’ responsibility to determine if continuing education programs meet the requirements of their professional licensure board, available on the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals’ (DIAL) website. The Iowa Board of Nursing has approved the mandatory reporter trainings for both child abuse and dependent adult abuse, as fulfilling 2.0 contact hours of nursing continuing education. Questions regarding nursing CEUs may be directed to [email protected]. For all other disciplines, direct any CEU questions to your respective professional licensure board.
Employer-Administered Training
Each participant must create their own account on HHS’ LMS and take the training individually. Employers can provide supplemental training related to their professional practice, in addition to the core training curriculum provided by HHS.
Reporting the Same Abuse
When multiple mandatory reporters reasonably suspect abuse involving the same incident, each reporter is required to make a report. A joint report can be made with one call, ensuring that the names and contact information for all reporters are provided to the HHS intake worker, and that each reporter’s concerns are communicated during the call.
Conclusion
Understanding the “what is the mandatory reporter guide” and its implications is vital for protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining compliance with Iowa law. By staying informed and adhering to the guidelines, mandatory reporters can effectively fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to a safer community. Always ensure you are up-to-date with the latest requirements and seek clarification when needed.
