California Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which forms of elder and dependent adult abuse legally require a mandated report in California?

1. Emotional and psychological abuse

2. Physical, sexual, and financial abuse

3. Self-neglect

4. Neglect of housing

The correct answer is: Physical, sexual, and financial abuse

In California, the law defines mandated reporting requirements for various forms of elder and dependent adult abuse. The correct choice specifies that physical abuse, sexual abuse, and financial abuse must be reported by mandated reporters. Physical abuse involves causing bodily harm, such as hitting or slapping, while sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact. Financial abuse is characterized by the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds or property. Mandated reporters, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, are legally obligated to report any reasonable suspicion of these forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities in order to protect vulnerable individuals from further harm. While emotional and psychological abuse, as well as neglect of housing, can be serious issues and may require intervention, they do not have the same legal mandate for reporting as physical, sexual, and financial abuse. Self-neglect is also a complex area where the individual may not receive care for their own basic needs, but mandated reporting laws focus primarily on abuse perpetrated by others rather than self-inflicted neglect.