There are new training rules for Iowans who treat or care for kids. Lots of folks are designated as “mandatory reporters” of suspected child abuse. Now, the training that nurses aides, X-ray technicians, home health aides, cops, childcare workers and licensed teachers undergo must be approved by the Iowa Department of Public Health. That new requirement went into effect May 1st, and Iowa Public Health administrator Mary Anderson says a special state “abuse education review panel” must approve all materials.Anderson says that panel now has the authority to determine what should be included in the training for mandatory reporters, and whether a hospital, nursing home or school has an appropriate training program. Anderson says it’ll hopefully improve the quality of mandatory reporter training in Iowa.Iowa law requires professionals who work in health, education, law enforcement, childcare and social work to be trained and to report suspected abuse within 24 hours. Home health aides and coaches were recently added to the list of those designated as “mandatory reporters” of abuse.
