MO SB234

Requires mandated reporters who suspect sexual assault of a long-term care facility resident to report to local law enforcement in addition to the state department, pursuant to the federal Elder Justice Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq.)

Mandated reporters include healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, long-term care facility administrators and employees, social workers, and others who care for persons age 60 or older or eligible adults

Failure to report abuse or neglect within a reasonable time is a class A misdemeanor; administrators who knowingly conceal abuse or neglect resulting in death or serious physical injury face a class D felony

Department must initiate investigations within 24 hours of receiving a report and notify the resident's next of kin or responsible party of the findings

Protects reporters and witnesses from retaliation and provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for good-faith reporting