DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 371 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Chaney
Abstract: Provides for additional means by which permitted and mandatory reporters may report
suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Dept. of Children and Family Services.
Present law provides that permitted reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect shall report such
cases by phone through the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) designated child
protection reporting hotline. Proposed law adds reporting in person at any DCFS child welfare office
as a means for permitted reporters to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
Proposed law provides that mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect shall report such
cases through the DCFS designated child protection reporting hotline, via the DCFS Services
Mandated Reporter Portal, or in person at any child welfare office.
Proposed law stipulates that making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect to DCFS by
facsimile does not relieve the reporter of his duty to report in accordance with present law and
proposed law.
Present law provides that if a mandatory reporter's initial report of suspected child abuse or neglect
was in oral form, then it shall be followed by a written report made within five days to the local child
protection unit of DCFS. Proposed law revises present law to provide that if a mandatory reporter's
initial report was in oral form, then it shall be followed by a written report made within five days via
the DCFS Mandated Reporter Portal or by mail to the DCFS centralized intake unit.
(Amends Ch. C. Art. 610(A) and (D))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Delete proposed law authorizing mandatory reporters and permitted reporters of
suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to report such cases by phone to any state child
welfare office of the Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
2. Revise present law to delete a requirement that a mandatory reporter who reports in oral
form initially shall submit a written report within five days to the local child protection
unit of DCFS, and to require instead that the mandatory reporter submit the written report via the DCFS Mandated Reporter Portal or by mail to the DCFS centralized intake unit.
3. Make technical changes.