Responsibilities with Regards to Responding to Abuse and Neglect

When responding to alleged or suspected abuse and neglect:

• Know your professional practice standards;
  (link to regulatory bodies in Canada: http://cna-aiic.ca/en/becoming-an-rn/regulation-of-rns/regulatory-bodies)
• know if the law requires any particular action with regard to the alleged or suspected abuse and neglect;
• know your organizational policies and procedures that apply to the alleged or suspected abuse and neglect;
• determine who will  be involved in decision making (including the older adult);
• determine what resources are available to assist in responding appropriately (e.g., board of ethics, collaborative team that helps to address abuse and neglect in your organization etc.);
• determine what other supports can be offered to the older adult, such as emotional support and referrals;
• determine what other follow-up may be required within your organization;
• Understand that reporting abuse or neglect is not always mandated or appropriate (e.g., when a competent older adult chooses to remain in an abusive relationship);
• understand that filing of a report is not the end of one’s obligation to address abuse or neglect;
• maintain documentation.