Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 19C, sections 1 and 10
What Does the Massachusetts Law for the Protection of Disabled Persons Require?
Any mandated reporter who has reasonable cause to believe that a disabled person is suffering from or has died as a result of abuse (as defined below) must make a report to:
Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission
50 Ross Way
Quincy, MA 02169
1-800-245-0062
1-800-426-9009 (24-hour hotline)
Who is Considered a "Disabled Person?
Under the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Law, a disabled person is defined as any person between the ages of 18 to 59 who is:
- Mentally retarded or otherwise mentally or physically disabled as a result of mental or physical disability; and
- Who is wholly or partially dependent on others to meet his or her daily living needs.
Who are Mandated Reporters of Suspected Abuse of a Disabled Person?
Under Massachusetts law, the following individuals are all mandated reporters* of suspected abuse of a disabled person.
- physicians
- dentists
- nurses
- many other health and allied health professionals (PT, OT, etc.)
- probation officers
- social workers
- police officers
- firefighters
- emergency medical technicians (EMT's)
- an executive director of a licensed home health agency or homemaker service
- the manager of an assisted living facility
- public or private school teachers
- educational administrators
- day care workers
- any person employed by a public human services agency
- clergy
*There are certain exceptions provided under the law.
Who Else Can Make Reports of Suspected Abuse of a Disabled Person?
Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe a disabled person is suffering from or has died as a result of abuse may make a report to the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission. 800-426-9009 (24-hour hotline) Who is Considered a Caretaker of a Disabled Person Under Massachusetts Law?Under the Massachusetts disabled persons protection law, "A 'Caretaker' is defined as a person with responsibility for the physical care of disabled persons, which responsibility may arise as the result of a family relationship, or by a fiduciary duty imposed by law, or by a voluntary or contractual duty undertaken on behalf or that person." (MGL Ch. 265 Sec. 13K)
Child Abuse & Neglect
Child Witness To Domestic Violence
Child Advocacy Center
Disabled Persons Abuse
Domestic Violence
Elder Abuse & Neglect
Sexual Assault & Rape
Teen Dating Violence |
