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Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7 - Reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation; establishment of central register; confidentiality (Mississippi Vulnerable Persons Act)

MississippistatuteMississippi Department of Human Services (Division of Aging and Adult Services / Adult Protective Services)

What this rule requires your agency to do

  • 1The provider/reporter must direct the report to the appropriate authority, which may include the Department of Child Protection Services where the vulnerable person is a minor. (Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7)(Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7)
  • 2The caregiver/mandatory reporter must not fail to report, as failure to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. (Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-37 / § 43-47-7)(Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-37 / § 43-47-7)
  • 3The reporter must include in the report, where known, identification of the victim, family member contact information, the alleged perpetrator's details, a description of any injuries, and actions taken. (Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7)(Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7)
  • 4The caregiver (any person who knows or suspects) must immediately report knowledge or suspicion that a vulnerable person has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited to the Department of Human Services or to the county department of human services where the vulnerable person is located. (Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7(1))(Miss. Code Ann. § 43-47-7 - Reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation; establishment of central register; confidentiality (Mississippi Vulnerable Persons Act))

Applies to: home care, personal care, HCBS caregivers serving vulnerable adults (any person who knows or suspects abuse/neglect/exploitation of a vulnerable person)

Under the Mississippi Vulnerable Persons Act, any person - including caregivers, health professionals, and others - who knows or suspects that a vulnerable person is being abused, neglected, or exploited must immediately report it to the Department of Human Services or the county department where the person is located. Failure to report is a misdemeanor. The statute establishes a toll-free statewide reporting number and a central register, and requires DHS to investigate immediately and file a preliminary report with the Attorney General within 48 or 72 hours.

Regulatory information, not legal advice — always confirm against the cited official source. Verification reduces error; it does not certify compliance.