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N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 161-F:46 - Reports of Adult Abuse; Investigations

New HampshirestatuteNew Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (Commissioner)· effective 2021-07-09

What this rule requires your agency to do

  • 1The caregiver/provider must make the report immediately as an oral report, by telephone or otherwise, followed by a written report if so requested by the commissioner or authorized representative. (RSA 161-F:46, I)(N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 161-F:46 - Reports of Adult Abuse; Investigations)
  • 2The caregiver/provider must direct reports during business hours to the DHHS commissioner or the commissioner's authorized representative. (RSA 161-F:46)(N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 161-F:46 - Reports of Adult Abuse; Investigations)
  • 3The caregiver/provider must, when abuse is discovered after business hours, on weekends, or on holidays, report instead to the police department of the appropriate political subdivision or to the county sheriff. (RSA 161-F:46)(N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 161-F:46 - Reports of Adult Abuse; Investigations)
  • 4The caregiver/provider must, if it has reason to believe an incapacitated or vulnerable adult has been subjected to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation, or is living in hazardous conditions, report the suspicion - the duty applies to any person, including health care professionals, social workers, and other caregivers. (RSA 161-F:46)(N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 161-F:46 - Reports of Adult Abuse; Investigations)

Applies to: personal care, home care, home health - any caregiver serving incapacitated/vulnerable adults

New Hampshire's mandatory adult-abuse reporting statute requires any person - expressly including health care professionals, social workers, and other caregivers - who has reason to believe that an incapacitated or vulnerable adult has been abused, neglected, self-neglected, exploited, or is living in hazardous conditions to report immediately to the DHHS commissioner (or, after hours, to local police or the county sheriff). Oral reports must be made immediately with a written report to follow if requested; law enforcement must notify the commissioner within 72 hours, and the commissioner must begin an investigation within 72 hours of receiving a report.

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