NRS200.50935. Report of abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation of vulnerable person; voluntary and mandatory reports; investigation; penalty. [Effective through December 31, 2013.]

      1.  Any person who is described in subsection 3 and who, in a professional or occupational capacity, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable person has been abused, neglected, exploited or isolated shall:

      (a) Report the abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation of the vulnerable person to a law enforcement agency; and

      (b) Make such a report as soon as reasonably practicable but not later than 24 hours after the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the vulnerable person has been abused, neglected, exploited or isolated.

      2.  If a person who is required to make a report pursuant to subsection 1 knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation of the vulnerable person involves an act or omission of a law enforcement agency, the person shall make the report to a law enforcement agency other than the one alleged to have committed the act or omission.

      3.  A report must be made pursuant to subsection 1 by the following persons:

      (a) Every physician, dentist, dental hygienist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatric physician, medical examiner, resident, intern, professional or practical nurse, perfusionist, physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 630 or 633 of NRS, psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical professional counselor, clinical alcohol and drug abuse counselor, alcohol and drug abuse counselor, music therapist, athletic trainer, driver of an ambulance, advanced emergency medical technician, licensed dietitian or other person providing medical services licensed or certified to practice in this State, who examines, attends or treats a vulnerable person who appears to have been abused, neglected, exploited or isolated.

      (b) Any personnel of a hospital or similar institution engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons or an administrator, manager or other person in charge of a hospital or similar institution upon notification of the suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation of a vulnerable person by a member of the staff of the hospital.

      (c) A coroner.

      (d) Every person who maintains or is employed by an agency to provide nursing in the home.

      (e) Any employee of the Department of Health and Human Services.

      (f) Any employee of a law enforcement agency or an adult or juvenile probation officer.

      (g) Any person who maintains or is employed by a facility or establishment that provides care for vulnerable persons.

      (h) Any person who maintains, is employed by or serves as a volunteer for an agency or service which advises persons regarding the abuse, neglect, exploitation or isolation of a vulnerable person and refers them to persons and agencies where their requests and needs can be met.

      (i) Every social worker.

      (j) Any person who owns or is employed by a funeral home or mortuary.

      4.  A report may be made by any other person.

      5.  If a person who is required to make a report pursuant to subsection 1 knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable person has died as a result of abuse, neglect or isolation, the person shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, report this belief to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner, who shall investigate the cause of death of the vulnerable person and submit to the appropriate local law enforcement agencies and the appropriate prosecuting attorney his or her written findings. The written findings must include the information required pursuant to the provisions of NRS 200.5094, when possible.

      6.  A law enforcement agency which receives a report pursuant to this section shall immediately initiate an investigation of the report.

      7.  A person who knowingly and willfully violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 1106; A 2007, 1851, 3081; 2009, 2994; 2011, 1095, 1517)