Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Children and Vulnerable Adults (General Order 05-22)

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, definitions, and procedural elements from Prince George’s County Fire/EMS General Order 05-22 on suspected abuse or neglect.

General Order 05-22

Fire/EMS policy that outlines how personnel must report, document, and follow up on suspected abuse or neglect of children and vulnerable adults.

Child

Any individual under the age of 18 years.

Vulnerable Adult

An adult who lacks the physical or mental capacity to provide for the adult’s daily needs.

Child Abuse (Title 5)

Physical or mental injury, or any sexual abuse, by a caregiver or household member that harms or risks harming a child’s health or welfare.

Adult Abuse (Title 14)

Physical injury to a vulnerable adult resulting from cruel or inhumane treatment or a malicious act.

Child Neglect (Title 5)

Leaving a child unattended or failing to give proper care, placing the child at substantial risk of physical or mental harm.

Adult Neglect (Title 14)

Willful deprivation of a vulnerable adult of food, clothing, essential medical treatment, therapy, shelter, or supervision.

Mandatory Reporting Requirement

Maryland Family Law Article obligates all health-care providers to report suspected child or elder abuse or neglect.

Good Faith Immunity

Anyone who reports suspected abuse or neglect in good faith is protected from civil liability and criminal penalty.

Immediate Law-Enforcement Request

First procedural step when any person, patient, or provider may be in imminent danger.

Do Not Confront Caregiver Rule

Providers must avoid confronting parents or caregivers or making allegations while performing patient care.

Department of Social Services Contact Numbers

[phone] (regular hours) and [phone] (after hours) for abuse/neglect notifications.

Notification Chain of Command

Inform immediate supervisor, facilitate referrals, and use the on-duty EMS Duty Officer (EMS 801) to ensure all procedural elements are completed.

Patient Care Report Documentation

Every suspected abuse/neglect encounter must be fully recorded as a patient encounter describing care, circumstances, and statements.

Pertinent Narrative Details

Include victim’s demographics, caregiver info, location, nature/extent of abuse or neglect, evidence of prior incidents, and possible causes/responsible individuals.

Notification Documentation

Record in the patient report the names, dates/times, and actions for law enforcement, receiving health-care provider, and Department of Social Services notifications.

Follow-Up Cooperation

Providers must cooperate with investigations by other agencies; patient reports are released only through established policies.

Information Management Division

The office to which outside investigators are referred for copies of written documentation.