Physicians, psychologists, dentists, social workers and police officers are all required to file reports whenever they have a reasonable basis to believe that abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred. Failure to make a report is itself a misdemeanor, and could lead to loss of licensure or other penalties. The law requires those reports to be filed immediately by telephone or in person, and the initial report must be followed up with a written report within two working days. In order to make reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation simpler Adult Protective Services has established a statewide toll-free telephone number. Arizona is not the only state with a toll-free, centralized reporting number for elder abuse.
Abuse is often difficult to detect.