Idaho Code Ann. § 39-5303, Duty to Report Cases of Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults

Requires physicians, nurses, employees of health care facilities or residential facilities, other health care providers, social workers, and police officers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the Idaho Commission on Aging (“Commission”). Requires nursing facility employees to make their reports to the Department of Health and Welfare. Requires the aforementioned persons that have a reasonable suspicion that the abuse or sexual assault of a vulnerable adult led to the adult’s death or a serious physical injury to report their suspicions to law enforcement within four hours. Imposes misdemeanor liability on persons that fail to comply with the reporting requirements and authorizes the Department to impose additional penalties (e.g., revocation of a facility’s license, admissions bans, denied payments, etc.) when the failure to report involves a case of abuse or sexual assault that led to death or serious injury. Provides immunity for persons that arises out of their compliance with the reporting requirements or provision of testimony regarding a reported case so long as they act in good faith. Establishes liability for persons that knowingly or maliciously make bad faith reports.