Committee hears testimony on bill to require child-abuse training for licensed medical providers

The Executive Departments and Administration Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 493 to consider a requirement that physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses complete one hour of accredited continuing education focused on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect.

Proponents, including retired child-abuse pediatrician Dr. Gwendolyn Gladstone and Cassandra Sanchez, the state Child Advocate, said targeted, recurring education would help providers spot early signs of maltreatment and refer cases for further review. Dr. Gladstone said she treated “thousands of children” and described instances when children later presented with severe injuries after prior medical encounters where warning signs were missed. Sanchez told the committee her office reviewed cases in 2023 where infants with multiple fractures had previously been seen by emergency or primary providers and said conflicting medical opinions sometimes hindered court action.

Supporters emphasized an…