California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

According to the Elder/Dependent abuse reporting law, what situation is NOT mandated to be reported?

1. Mental suffering

2. Self-neglect

3. Financial abuse

4. Physical abuse

The correct answer is: Mental suffering

Under the Elder/Dependent Abuse Reporting Law, mental suffering is not classified among the categories that require mandatory reporting. The law specifies four primary forms of abuse that professionals, including dental hygienists and other mandated reporters, must report when they suspect such abuse is occurring: physical abuse, financial abuse, neglect, and abandonment, which can include self-neglect. In the case of mental suffering, while it is concerning and may indicate potential abuse or neglect, it does not fall under the legal obligation for mandatory reporting unless it is deemed to result from other reported forms of abuse. The intent of this distinction is to focus the reporting requirements on abuses that have clear physical evidence, observable neglect, or financial wrongdoing which can be substantiated and more easily acted upon. Understanding this helps caregivers and professionals navigate their responsibilities and ensures they are directing reports to situations where intervention is legally mandated.