護理師在小兒科病房懷疑有虐童事件，其法律義務為何？
A nurse is working in a pediatric unit and suspects child abuse. What is the nurse's legal obligation?
- AIgnore the suspicion unless there is proof of injury除非有傷害證據，否則忽略懷疑
- BInvestigate the parents to confirm the suspicion調查父母以確認懷疑
- CReport the suspicion to the appropriate authorities✓ 正解向相關當局報告懷疑情況
- DDiscuss the suspicion with the parents to get an explanation與父母討論懷疑情況以獲取解釋
在美國臨床執業中，護理師被法律定義為「法定通報義務人」（Mandated Reporter）。當護理師在專業判斷中對虐童產生「合理懷疑」（Reasonable Suspicion）時，法律要求必須立即向相關單位（如兒童保護服務機構 CPS 或執法部門）通報。護理師的職責在於識別潛在危險並啟動保護機制，而非進行調查或蒐證。自行調查或與家長對質可能會干擾後續司法程序，甚至危及病童安全。
As a mandated reporter, the nurse is legally obligated to immediately report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as Child Protective Services. The nurse’s role is to identify potential danger and initiate protection, not to investigate or confront the parents, which could compromise evidence or endanger the child.
台美兩地在虐童通報義務上概念相似。美國各州對於 Mandated Reporter 的定義與罰則非常嚴格，若未即時通報可能面臨吊銷執照甚至刑事責任。台灣則依《兒童及少年福利與權益保障法》規定，醫事人員為責任通報人員，同樣需在知悉後 24 小時內通報。