Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 722.623 - Individual required to report child abuse or neglect; written report; regulations and guidelines regarding transmission of report

Michigan requires numerous professionals, including physicians, physician’s assistants, and EMTs to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Family Independence Agency (“agency”). Individuals obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect must orally report their suspicion as soon as it arises to the agency and then file a written report within 72 hours. Hospital employees must notify hospital management upon making a report to the agency and must provide hospital management with a copy of the written report. A hospital employee does not satisfy their reporting obligation by reporting the suspected abuse solely to hospital management. Hospitals cannot fire or punish employees for reporting suspected abuse or neglect or for cooperating with an investigation into the allegations.

The written report submitted to the agency must contain the child’s name and describe the abuse or neglect. To the extent feasible, the report should identify the child’s parents, guardian, or individuals with whom the child lives, list the addresses of these individuals, identify the child’s age, and contain any additional information regarding the cause and manner of the abuse or neglect.

The agency will subsequently transmit the written report, depending on the identity of the perpetrator, location of the abuse, and type of abuse, to a prosecuting attorney, law enforcement agency, or child regulatory agency.