An Act To Update Maine'S Mandated Reporting Laws

This bill updates Maine's laws regarding who must report suspected child abuse or neglect and how those reports are handled. It expands the definition of mandated reporters to include additional licensed mental health professionals and clarifies that anyone assisting in childbirth for compensation, such as midwives, must report suspected abuse. The legislation establishes a new 48-hour reporting deadline for professionals who suspect child abuse or observe conditions likely to result in abuse, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to notify district attorneys when abuse is caused by someone not responsible for the child. Additionally, the bill clarifies that investigators can fulfill medical examiner reporting requirements by reporting to the department, and strengthens confidentiality protections for information shared during licensing board proceedings.