What is the correct way for licensed PTs to report suspected abuse?

Licensed physical therapists (PTs) are legally mandated reporters who have a responsibility to report any suspected cases of abuse. The correct procedure for reporting suspected abuse is to make an immediate telephone report to the appropriate agency. This ensures that time-sensitive action can be taken to protect the individual suspected of being abused.

Following the immediate phone call, a written report must be submitted within a specified timeframe, which in this case is 36 hours. This dual approach of immediate verbal notification followed by written documentation is designed to ensure a prompt response while also keeping a formal record of the report for legal and procedural purposes.

This reporting method highlights the urgency and seriousness with which suspected abuse must be addressed, allowing protective services to take necessary actions swiftly. The requirement for a written report ensures that all relevant details are documented adequately, which is crucial for any subsequent investigations.