Healthcare practitioners are mandated reporters under Massachusetts law and must notify the Department of Children and Families (DCF) of any occurrences of abuse or neglect. The issue is whether a medical provider should notify the DCF about a patient who is homeless and a single parent when they obtain treatment for work-related injuries.
According to the author of the article “Homelessness and Health: What’s the Connection?” “Homelessness is a major social determinant of health, with a wide range of negative health consequences” (National Health Care for the Homeless Council, para. Due to poor living circumstances, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to violence, homeless people are more likely to suffer from injuries and chronic diseases. Additionally, the study by Woith et al. (2015) shows that there are several obstacles that homeless people must overcome in order to get healthcare, including stigma, a lack of insurance, and mistrust of healthcare professionals.
In this case, the healthcare provider should use their best judgment and thoroughly evaluate the circumstance. According to the Massachusetts Nursing Mandatory Abuse Reporting Guide, “all reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect must be immediately reported by telephone to the Department of Children and Families” (p. As a result, the DCF must be informed if the medical practitioner believes the kid is in danger or at risk of injury. If the medical expert finds that the kid is not in danger, they could provide the parent with resources and assistance to help reduce the stress on the family.
Healthcare workers should also know the possible repercussions of reporting a homeless person to the DCF. While reporting a homeless parent to the DCF does not constitute neglect or abuse, it may result in the kid being placed in foster care, which might harm their well-being. According to Woith et al. (2015), homeless people frequently have unpleasant contact with healthcare professionals. As a result, they may become even more distrustful of them and avoid seeking medical treatment. Overall, healthcare providers are responsible for informing the DCF about abuse or neglect. However, they should also use their best judgment and carefully consider the circumstances. Healthcare workers should provide assistance and services to homeless people while considering the potential repercussions of reporting them to the DCF.
References
Massachusetts Nursing Mandatory Abuse Reporting Guide. (n.d.). Web.
National Health Care for the Homeless Council. (n.d.). Homelessness and Health: What’s the Connection? Web.
Woith, W. N., Byrne, M. M., & Bindon, S. L. (2015). Lessons from the Homeless: Civil and Uncivil Interactions with Nurses, Self-Care Behaviors, and Barriers to Care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 26(3), 211-219. Web.