I just can’t find anything in Ohio Law that says a nurse must mandatorily report a statement, made by a friend to a friend who is a nurse, that she was a victim of domestic abuse. In fact, it is quite clear that it would have to be an “observed” injury. (I am sure you can see the legal ramifications of a report based solely on an emotional statement between friends). Additionally, the mandatory reporting law has been created to protect children, the elderly and those who are in a diminished capacity to protect themselves. But being a mandatory reporter, you certainly must know more about the legal statutes, so I will defer to you.
ORC Ann. 2921.22 makes it a misdemeanor in the second degree for a physician, limited practitioner, nurse, or other person giving aid to a sick or injured person, to negligently fail to report to law enforce- ment authorities any treated or observed gunshot wound, stab wound, or other serious physical harm that the reporter knows or has reasonable cause to believe resulted from an offense of violence. Second and third degree burns, burns to upper respiratory tract or any burn or that may result in death must be reported to the local arson, fire and explosion investigation bureau. Known or suspected domestic violence must be noted by the physician in the patient’s records.