Indiana § 34-30-16-2 - Duty to warn or to take reasonable precautions; discharge

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 34-30-16-2 — Duty to warn or to take reasonable precautions; discharge, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 34-30-16-2. Duty to warn or to take reasonable precautions; discharge

Sec. 2. The duty to warn of or to take reasonable precautions to provide protection from violent behavior or other serious harm arises only under the limited circumstances specified in section 1 of this chapter. The duty is discharged by a mental health service provider who takes one (1) or more of the following actions:

(1) Makes reasonable attempts to communicate the threat to the victim or victims.

(2) Makes reasonable efforts to notify a police department or other law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the patient's or victim's place of residence.

(3) Seeks civil commitment of the patient under IC 12-26.

(4) Takes steps reasonably available to the provider to prevent the patient from using physical violence or other means of harm to others until the appropriate law enforcement agency can be summoned and takes custody of the patient.

(5) Reports the threat of physical violence or other means of harm, within a reasonable period of time after receiving knowledge of the threat, to a physician or psychologist who is designated by the employer of a mental health service provider as an individual who has the responsibility to warn under this chapter.

[Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-4-12.4-3.]

As added by P.L.1-1998, SEC.26.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 34-30-16-2

What does Indiana Code § 34-30-16-2 cover?

Section 34-30-16-2 ("Duty to warn or to take reasonable precautions; discharge") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 34-30-16-2?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 34-30-16-2" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 34-30-16-2 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.