Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

In which scenario does the failure to report become a continuing offense?

1. When the abused child is not identified

2. When a mandated reporter conceals the failure to report

3. When a report is misfiled

4. When the incident is past the reporting deadline

The correct answer is: When a mandated reporter conceals the failure to report

The scenario where the failure to report becomes a continuing offense is when a mandated reporter conceals the failure to report. In this case, the act of concealment effectively prolongs the violation because the individual not only failed to fulfill their legal obligation but also took steps to hide that failure. This can lead to ongoing legal ramifications, as the act of concealment can be subject to additional scrutiny and may compound the legal implications for the mandated reporter. Identifying an abused child is not a requirement for determining whether a failure to report has occurred since the obligation exists regardless of whether the victim is known. Misfiling a report does not constitute a continuing offense; it may indicate a procedural error but does not imply an ongoing neglect of responsibility. Being past the reporting deadline is a factor regarding the timeliness of the report rather than an indication of willful disregard or concealment of the obligation. Thus, concealing the failure not only maintains the offense but can attract more severe consequences under the law.