Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation — your duty to report
2 min readRCW 74.34.035 — Reports — Mandated and permissive
As an HCA you are a MANDATORY REPORTER under Washington law. If you suspect abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, you must report it — call DSHS EndHarm at 1-866-363-4276.
- 1If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
- 2Report suspected abuse/neglect/exploitation to DSHS: EndHarm 1-866-363-4276 (they route to Adult Protective Services).
- 3You need only reasonable suspicion — you do NOT need proof, and you should not investigate yourself.
- 4Also tell your supervisor per your agency's procedure — but the legal duty to report is YOURS and telling a supervisor alone does not fulfill it.
- 5Document objectively: what you saw or heard (exact words, marks, conditions), date/time, who you reported to. Facts, not conclusions.
- 6The law protects good-faith reporters from retaliation.
Warning signs include unexplained bruises or injuries, fear of a person, sudden money problems, missing belongings, poor hygiene despite care, and isolation. Trust what you observe — you are often the only person who sees the client regularly.
Call 911 immediately if
Client is unconscious, not breathing normally, bleeding heavily, or you suspect a head, neck, or spine injury.
What to remember
- —If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 first..
- —Report suspected abuse/neglect/exploitation to DSHS: EndHarm 1-866-363-4276 (they route to Adult Protective Services)..
- —You need only reasonable suspicion — you do NOT need proof, and you should not investigate yourself..