In California, the domestic violence screening law has since 1995 required licensed hospitals and clinics to establish written policies and procedures for screening patients for spousal and partner abuse.
Confidentiality is an important issue for teens seeking care.
While there is no stated legal requirement to discuss with clients the contents of the child abuse or violent injury reporting laws, ethical standards do require that they be told the limits of confidentiality before they are asked to disclose sensitive information. In order to inform teens of reporting requirements in a way that does not create a barrier to disclosure, providers are encouraged to research local CPS, law enforcement agency, and district attorney philosophies and practices for responding to reports of abuse and injury among adolescents. Learning about likely CPS and law enforcement responses will enable providers to discuss with teens the possible consequences of reports. The laws regarding adolescent abuse and violent injury reporting can be confusing. If the adolescent is 18 or older, is seeing a health provider, and has sustained an injury, the provider must report pursuant to the violent injury reporting law.