Michigan law adds mandatory reporters after Nassar scandal

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Physical and occupational therapists and athletic trainers will now be required to report suspected child abuse or neglect under a new Michigan law that follows the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week signed the legislation, which comes more than four years after Nassar, a former sports doctor who treated athletes at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, was sentenced to a virtual life sentence for his conviction on child pornography charges and sexually abusing athletes.

During victim impact statements in 2018, several athletes testified that over the course of Nassar's more than two decades of sexual abuse they had told adults what was happening, including coaches and athletic trainers, and it went unreported.

The therapists and trainers join other professionals previously required to report their suspicions or knowledge of abuse, which include medical doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers, school administrators, family therapists and school counselors. These professions are expected to be able to identify signs of abuse and understand how to report it.

Anyone can report to Children's Protective Services if they believe a child is being abused or neglected, but the new legislation adds physical and occupational therapists, athletic trainers and physical therapist assistants to those professionals required to do so.

Previous forms of the legislation were criticized for not including coaches on the mandatory reporters list. A concern was the loose definition of coaches, which can sometimes be part-time workers or simply a volunteer.

Former Michigan State University gymnastics coach Kathie Klages was sentenced to 90 days in jail in August 2020 on felony and misdemeanor counts of lying to police about her knowledge of...