HB 1785 Summary

• Changes child abuse and neglect reporting from mandatory to optional for all persons and certain health care professionals under 10A O.S. 2011, Section 1-2-101.

• Removes criminal penalties for failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

• Maintains protections against employer retaliation for those who voluntarily report suspected abuse or neglect in good faith.

• Retains provisions requiring hospitals and institutions to provide examination records and clinical notes to law enforcement and Department of Human Services upon request during investigations.

• Effective date: November 1, 2013.