Duty to report - R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 23-17.8-2

Health care professionals, specified public servants, social workers, and other professionals have a duty to report suspected patient abuse or neglect to the department of health within 24 hours of forming their suspicion. Incidents involving residents of long-term care facilities must also be reported within 24 hours to the long-term care ombudsperson. Reports must, among other items, identify the person filing the complaint, the victim of the abuse, details of the alleged incident, and the person(s) believed responsible for the alleged abuse. Persons may fulfill their reporting obligations by reporting to the management of the facility in which the abuse or neglect is believed to have occurred. Management must comply with the reporting requirements upon receiving such a report. Initial reports must be made by telephone and followed with a written report within 3 business days.

Persons may still report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect even if they lack a reporting duty.