MO SB971

Requires specific professionals (healthcare workers, law enforcement, social workers, and others) to immediately report suspected abuse or neglect of residents age 60 or older to the department.

Mandates that suspected sexual assault of a resident be reported to local law enforcement under federal law provisions (Sections 6701-6703 of the Elder Justice Act of 2009, 42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.), in addition to departmental reporting.

Establishes criminal penalties including class A misdemeanor for mandatory reporters who knowingly fail to report within a reasonable time, and class D felony for administrators who knowingly conceal abuse or neglect resulting in death or serious physical injury.

Requires the department to initiate investigations within 24 hours and notify the resident's next of kin or responsible party of the report and investigation outcome unless they are the alleged perpetrator.

Provides civil and criminal immunity to good-faith reporters except for perjury liability, and prohibits retaliation against residents or employees who make reports to the department or relevant authorities.