Who is considered a mandated reporter?

• A. Everyone is a mandated reporter.
• B. Only teachers are mandated reporters.
• C. Only medical professionals are mandated reporters.
• D. Only police officers are mandated reporters.

Answer: (A)

The fundamental idea is that reporting suspected child abuse or neglect isn’t limited to a narrow group—it’s a broad duty that can apply to almost anyone who has knowledge of or observes abuse. In Tennessee law, the obligation to report is purposefully wide so that no incident goes unreported simply because the observer isn’t in a specific professional category. That means everyone can be considered a mandated reporter, because the protection of children hinges on prompt reporting from all who might witness or suspect harm, not just a few professions.

This is why the option stating that everyone is a mandated reporter is the best choice. Limiting the duty to teachers, medical professionals, or police officers would exclude other individuals—neighbors, coaches, family members, or bystanders—who could be the first to notice abuse and initiate intervention. Reports are typically made to the Department of Children's Services, with the overarching goal of safeguarding the child as quickly as possible.