Section 72G:
Reports of abuse of patients
Section 72G. A physician, medical intern or resident, physician assistant, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, nurse aide, orderly, home health aide, hospice worker, homemaker, administrator, responsible person, medical examiner, dentist, optometrist, optician, chiropractor, podiatrist, coroner, police officer, speech pathologist, audiologist, social worker, pharmacist, physical or occupational therapist or health officer, paid for caring for a patient or resident, who has reasonable cause to believe that a patient or resident has been abused, mistreated or neglected or had property misappropriated, shall immediately report such abuse, mistreatment or neglect or misappropriation of patient or resident property to the department by electronically transmitted report, facsimile or oral communication and, if by oral communication, by making a written report within 48 hours after such oral communication. Any such person required to make such oral and written reports who fails to do so shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.