KS HB2480

Licensed social workers working under attorney supervision are exempted from mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse when the information arises solely during legal representation or while a prospective client is seeking representation in criminal, civil, domestic, or juvenile matters.

The same exemption applies to reporting requirements for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adult residents in care facilities and adults in need of protective services when social workers are supervised by attorneys in legal proceedings.

Attorneys may require supervised licensed social workers to maintain confidentiality in compliance with attorney-client privilege under the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct.

The bill amends K.S.A. 38-2223, 38-2224, 39-1402, 39-1403, 39-1431, 39-1432, and 65-6315 to create consistent exceptions across child protection, adult protection, and social worker confidentiality statutes.

Social workers retain the ability to testify in court hearings concerning abuse, adoption, child neglect, and welfare matters despite the new confidentiality protections.