IMMEDIATE SAFETY CONCERNS

If there is an imminent threat to a client's safety, a report must be made to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible. In cases involving minors, reports must be made within 24 hours, in accordance with state requirements. Associate clinicians and interns are required to consult with and involve their clinical supervisors in any reporting process.
Whenever possible, clinicians should inform the client in advance of the need to report and clearly explain their role as a mandated reporter

All reports must be thoroughly documented in eCharts as a Case Management Note, including relevant details, actions taken, and any case or reference numbers provided.

MANDATED REPORTING

Harm to vulnerable populations (including children, elders, and individuals with disabilities) is defined as having reason to believe that an individual is or has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or observing conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.

When this threshold is met, clinicians are required to report to Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or other appropriate authorities, as applicable.

Documentation must include:
    •    Reason for the report
    •    Relevant details disclosed or observed
    •    Date and time of report
    •    Case number (if provided)
    •    Name and title of the person spoken to

DCFS Reporting Hotline: 1-855-323-3237
DCFS Online Reporting: https://dcfs.utah.gov/services/child-protective-services/

All mandated reports must be documented in eCharts as a Case Management Note.

DUTY TO PROTECT

Clinicians have an obligation to use reasonable care to protect clients when they present with active suicidal ideation. This may include situations where a client has a plan without means or intent, or a specific plan with intent to act.

Clinicians must assess suicide risk on a case-by-case basis and take appropriate action based on clinical judgment.

Appropriate interventions may include, but are not limited to:
    •    Contacting the client’s emergency contact (listed in the eCharts header)
    •    Involving a trusted family member or friend to remove access to lethal means
    •    Coordinating with a family member or friend to transport the client to a hospital for evaluation
    •    Requesting a welfare check through non-emergency law enforcement
    •    Calling 988 to access the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)

All actions taken must be thoroughly documented in eCharts.

DUTY TO WARN

When a clinician determines that a client poses a serious and credible risk of violence toward an identifiable individual, the clinician has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect the intended victim.

This may include:
    •    Warning the intended victim or individuals likely to notify the victim
    •    Notifying law enforcement
    •    Taking other actions reasonably necessary to reduce the risk of harm

The specific response should be guided by clinical judgment, ethical standards, and legal requirements. All determinations and actions must be documented in eCharts as a Case Management Note.