Why Do Psychologists Need Misdemeanor?
Psychologists should also inform their clients, making Ab and Anita aware that they (Dr. Vater and Dr. Breyker) or any physician or medical practitioner who treats them, is required by law to make a report to law enforcement, including their name and the extent and nature of their injuries (California Attorney General's Office, 2002). Moreover, penalties vary from state to state. For example, in California, a failure to report is considered a misdemeanor. Possible punishments include monetary fines and jail time. In New York City, a failure to report is also considered to be a Class A misdemeanor. And in addition to monetary fines and jail time, mandated reporters can be sued in a civil court for monetary damages for any harm caused by their
failure to make a report to the New York State Central Register (Ethical Implications in Cases Involving Domestic Violence, 2015).