HB-5659 Summary

• Expands mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements to include physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and athletic trainers in addition to existing professionals like physicians, teachers, and law enforcement.

• Requires covered professionals to make immediate reports by telephone or online system to centralized intake, with written reports due within 72 hours of the oral report.

• Allows online reporting system submissions that include all required written report information to serve as the complete written report with no additional documentation needed.

• Adds reporting requirements for specific Michigan Department of Human Services employees including eligibility specialists, family independence managers, and social work specialists.

• Establishes that pregnancy in children under 12 years old or sexually transmitted infections in children over 1 month but under 12 years old constitute reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect.