American Samoa § 45.2002 - Mandated reports of abuse or neglect.

§ 45.2002. Mandated reports of abuse or neglect.

(a) Any person specified in subsection (b) who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately report or cause a report to be made of that fact to the agency, who immediately informs the department. (b) Persons required to report the abuse or neglect or circumstances or conditions includes any: (1) physician or surgeon, including a physician in training; (2) child health associate; (3) medical examiner or coroner; (4) dentist; (5) osteopath; (6) optometrist; (7) chiropractor; (8) chiropodist or podiatrist; (9) registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; (10) hospital personnel engaged in the admission, care, or treatment of patients; (11) Christian Science practitioner; (12) school official or employee; (13) social worker or worker in a family care home or child care center; and (14) mental health professional. (c) In addition to those persons specifically required by this section to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect and circumstances or conditions which might reasonably result in abuse or neglect, any other persons are urged and authorized to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect and circumstances and conditions which might reasonably result in child abuse or neglect to a the department or the agency. (d) Any person who willfully violates the provisions of subsection (a): (1) commits a Class A misdemeanor; and (2) is liable for those damages proximately caused. (e) If the agency feels there is evidence of possible child abuse, the department must be notified. Research Guide: CRS 19-10-104, 21 ASC 2902.