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

Who is considered a mandated reporter?

1. A police officer only

2. A teacher's aide employed by a public school

3. A parent or guardian

4. An unlicensed daycare worker

The correct answer is: A teacher's aide employed by a public school

A mandated reporter is an individual who is legally obligated to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The role of a mandated reporter is crucial in ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children, from potential harm. The correct choice, a teacher's aide employed by a public school, fits this definition as educators and those working in educational settings are typically included in the categories of professionals required to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. This obligation is part of their role, as they often have close interactions with children and may notice signs of distress or abuse that others may not see. In contrast, while police officers, parents or guardians, and unlicensed daycare workers may also have roles in observing or reporting abuse, not all of them are classified under mandated reporters in the same way. For instance, police officers have a distinct law enforcement role; parents or guardians may report but are not legally mandated unless they are in a professional capacity. Unlicensed daycare workers might also not hold the same obligation depending on specific state laws. Thus, the position of a teacher's aide in a public school encompasses the responsibilities and authority of a mandated reporter.