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The Children's Code

Legislation

Children's Code, Title 21, Section 846.  Mandatory reporting of physical abuse of children; investigations; spiritual treatment exemption; appointment of attorney for abused child.

Every physician or surgeon, including doctors of medicine and dentistry, licensed osteopathic physicians, residents, and interns, examining, attending to, or treating a child under the age of 18 years, and every registered nurse examining, attending to, or treating such a child in the absence of a physician or surgeon, and every other person having reason to believe that a child, under the age of 18 years, has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her by other than accidental means, where the injury appears to have been caused as a result of physical abuse or neglect, shall report the matter promptly to the county office of the Department of Human Services in the county where the child resides and to the county office where the child is currently.  The law states that it is a misdemeanor for any person to knowingly and willfully fail to promptly report any accident as provided above.