After filing a mandated report, what should you do?

• A. Share client information publicly.
• B. Wait for investigators to contact you.
• C. Continue to treat the case without documentation.
• D. Cooperate with authorities and document the report; maintain confidentiality as allowed.

Answer: (D)

After filing a mandated report, your next step is to cooperate with the authorities handling the investigation and document the report thoroughly, while protecting client confidentiality as allowed by law and policy. This means provide the necessary information to the designated agency, participate in follow-up as requested, and record details in your case notes—what you observed, dates and times, who you reported to, what actions you took, and any information you received from the client. You should continue to treat the client and provide services, but only disclose information that is legally permissible and to those who need to know for the investigation and ongoing care. Sharing client information publicly violates confidentiality and can cause harm; simply waiting to be contacted can delay the investigation and care; and treating without proper documentation undermines accountability and continuity of service.