OK SB535

Department of Human Services must establish a statewide centralized hotline for reporting child abuse or neglect and provide hotline-specific training including interviewing skills, customer service, and case determinations.

Department must develop a tracking system for calls received that includes the number of calls screened out, referrals assigned, calls from persons unwilling to disclose personal information, and calls with unsubstantiated or ruled-out allegations.

Electronic recording requirement for all hotline referrals extended from 90 days to 12 months, with recordings remaining confidential and subject to disclosure only when criminal charges have been filed, with redaction of reporting party information unless ordered by court.

Hotline workers and reporting requirements remain subject to existing provisions regarding mandatory reporting by health care professionals, prohibition on retaliation against reporters, and criminal penalties for failure to report child abuse or neglect.

Act becomes effective November 1, 2015.