What must always be reported immediately according to California law?

In California, the law mandates that certain types of incidents must be reported immediately to protect vulnerable populations and ensure their safety. Child abuse is among the most critical issues that require immediate reporting. The California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) specifically outlines the legal obligations of mandated reporters, which include dental professionals, to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect without delay. This prompt reporting is essential as it enables protective services and law enforcement to intervene swiftly to safeguard the child.

On the other hand, while medical neglect, fraudulent billing, and infection control violations are serious concerns, they do not carry the same immediate reporting requirement under California law. Medical neglect might require reporting, but it does not have the same urgency as child abuse, which poses an immediate risk to a child’s well-being. Similarly, fraudulent billing and infection control violations may be reported but typically follow different reporting protocols and timelines rather than immediate action. Therefore, the obligation to report child abuse immediately is rooted in the urgency of protecting the welfare of children, making it the correct answer to the question about what must always be reported without delay according to California law.