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R.C. 5101.63 was amended to require new professions to report cases of suspected elder abuse and financial exploitation. Effective September 29, 2018, the following professions are required to immediately report if they have reasonable cause to believe that an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, or is in a condition which is the result of abuse, neglect, or exploitation:

• CPA’s and Public Accountants
• Real Estate Brokers
• Real Estate Salespersons
• Notary Public
• Investment Advisors
• Financial Planners
• An employee of a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union.

These professions will join attorneys, physicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, psychologists, pharmacists, social workers, and family therapists as mandated reporters. The complete list of mandated reporters can be found HERE. Mandated reporters are not responsible for determining whether elder abuse is occurring.

Any suspicions of elder abuse can be reported to Adult Protective Services, which is part of each county’s Department of Job and Family Services. Reports can also be made to

• The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities if the victim has a developmental disability
• The Ohio Department of Health if the victim resides in a licensed health care facility and the perpetrator is a resident or staff member of the facility
• The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services if the victim resides in one of their licensed facilities

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services created a guide for financial services professionals which can be found HERE.

For more information about your responsibilities as a member of a regulated profession, you should contact an experienced Administrative Agency Law attorney. John Izzo of Graff and McGovern can be reached at 614-228-5800, extension 5, or johnizzo@grafflaw.com.