This is an increase of more than 1,000 percent over the number of reported cases 12 years ago. In more than half of such incidents, the victims are not able to care for themselves due to frailty, health problems, mental or emotional problems, or family dysfunction. 1 Domestic violence and child abuse are also on the rise. In primary care settings, home health care, case management, and many other fields of practice, nurses are the first, and sometimes only, healthcare professionals with whom patients have contact. Nurses who are aware of the common characteristics of patient abuse and take steps to report it can truly fulfill their role as patient advocates.
Nurses also have a clear legal obligation to report abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
Failing to do so can lead to serious criminal penalties. In 1998, the California Legislature responded to the increase in elder and dependent adult abuse by enacting a law expanding the types of abuse that must be reported by healthcare professionals and establishing a statewide program to maintain the safety of elder and dependent adults. The new law also defines the categories. For example, physical abuse includes using physical or chemical restraints for punishment or any other purpose not authorized by the patient s physician, or for a longer period than authorized. Isolation includes preventing the victim from receiving visitors, phone calls, or mail.