Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which is NOT a condition that nurse practitioners are typically required to report?

1. Child abuse

2. Elder abuse

3. Domestic violence

4. HIV infection

The correct answer is: Domestic violence

Nurse practitioners are indeed trained to recognize and report various forms of abuse, including child abuse and elder abuse, as these situations often involve vulnerable populations that require immediate intervention to ensure safety and wellbeing. Reporting protocols for these conditions are mandated by law in many jurisdictions, reflecting the ethical duty to protect individuals who cannot protect themselves. When it comes to domestic violence, while it is a critical issue that healthcare providers must address, the legal requirements for reporting can vary significantly by state or region. Many places do not mandate healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, to report domestic violence unless certain legal criteria are met, such as ongoing threats or injuries. In contrast, reporting requirements surrounding HIV infection also vary. In most settings, healthcare providers are required to maintain patient confidentiality concerning HIV status, although specific circumstances may necessitate reporting to public health authorities. The move toward protecting the confidentiality of those living with HIV has been a significant aspect of public health legislation. Thus, domestic violence stands out as a condition that is often not uniformly required to be reported, depending on the specific legal framework of the state or locality in which a nurse practitioner is practicing.