Mass. Gen. Laws. Ann. ch. 111, §72G - Reports of abuse of patients

“Reports of abuse of patients”
 
This section provides that healthcare professionals paid for their care of patients must report immediately any abuse, mistreatment or neglect or misappropriation of patient to the department. This must be done in writing, even if reported first by oral communication.  If the healthcare professional required to make such oral and written reports fails to do so, he may be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.
 
In addition to those persons required to report, any other person may make such a report if such person has reasonable cause to believe that a patient or resident has been abused, mistreated or neglected or had property misappropriated. Any person making an oral or written report will not be liable in any civil or criminal action by reason of such report if such report was made in good faith.
 
No facility, home health agency or hospice program shall discharge, or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against any person who, in good faith, makes such a report or testifies or is about to testify in any proceeding about the abuse, mistreatment or neglect of a patient or resident or the misappropriation of a patient's or resident's property. A facility, home health agency or hospice program which discharges, discriminates or retaliates against such a person shall be liable to the person so discharged, discriminated or retaliated against, for treble damages, costs and attorneys' fees.