HB4915 Summary

• Adds physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and athletic trainers to the list of mandated reporters required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department.

• Requires mandated reporters to complete initial training within 3 months of engagement, including a section on implicit bias, and refresher training at least every 3 years (with medical personnel required to complete training every 6 years).

• Medical personnel who work with children must complete training every 6 years; those who do not work with children may attest at licensure renewal instead of repeating training.

• Mandated reporter training must cover indicators of abuse and neglect, reporting procedures, trauma-informed responses to children, and the role of child protective services.

• Implicit bias training must include information on unconscious attitudes and stereotypes affecting perceptions based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and other characteristics.