Failure to report suspected abuse is what type of violation?

• A. A recipient rights violation
• B. Criminal violation
• C. Civil violation
• D. Administrative violation

Answer: (A)

Failing to report suspected abuse breaches the recipient’s fundamental right to safety and protection from harm. When staff don’t report, they fail to act on information that could prevent ongoing abuse or further harm, which directly violates the recipient’s rights to be safe and treated with dignity. In the recipient rights framework, omissions or actions that compromise safety and dignity are treated as recipient rights violations, because they pertain to protecting the individual’s rights rather than evaluating criminal charges, civil disputes, or purely administrative missteps. While not reporting can carry legal consequences in some settings, the exam emphasizes the rights-protection aspect, making this a recipient rights violation.