The bill amends Kansas law to create an exception for licensed social workers regarding their mandatory reporting obligations when they are working under the supervision of an attorney. It allows these social workers to refrain from reporting suspected child abuse or neglect if the suspicion arises solely during the attorney's representation in various legal matters. Additionally, attorneys can require social workers to maintain confidentiality in line with their ethical obligations, thereby aligning the social workers' reporting duties with the attorney-client privilege. The amendments clarify that licensed social workers and employees of domestic violence centers are not required to report suspected abuse or neglect under these specific circumstances.

Moreover, the bill outlines the requirements for other state agencies to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the Kansas Department for Children and Families and law enforcement within designated timeframes. It also provides protections for individuals who report suspected abuse, ensuring they are shielded from civil liability or employment sanctions. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of communications between social workers and clients, particularly when the social worker is under an attorney's supervision, and repeals several existing statutes related to these reporting obligations to streamline the legal framework for protecting vulnerable adults.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2223, 38-2224, 39-1402, 39-1403, 39-1431, 39-2001, 39-1432, 65-6315