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	Iowa's Abuse Reporting Law Could Be Widened in Light of Sandusky Scandal By James Q. Lynch KCRG November 24, 2011 http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Iowas-Abuse-Reporting-Law-Could-be-Widened-134449713.html A discussion about extending Iowa’s mandatory reporting requirements to include college-level officials is warranted in light of allegations of sexual abuse at Penn State, Gov. Terry Branstad says. He hasn’t had any discussions with members of the state’s Board of Regents about changing mandatory reporting requirements, but he said Tuesday that the state should look at its rules. “Obviously, I think we’re going to need to take a look at that whole situation involving child abuse and what should be done and how do you prevent situations like what happened at Penn State from occurring here or elsewhere,” Branstad said in a visit to Cedar Rapids. “It’s a real tragic and unfortunate situation.” That discussion is occurring on another level. The Iowa Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force, which is looking at updating Iowa’s laws, may recommend increasing some categories of mandatory reporters to cover college officials including coaches. Strengthening training for mandatory reporters was part of the task force’s original focus, said Nancy Scheumann of St. Luke’s Child Protection Center in Hiawatha. After news reports surfaced about child sexual abuse by a former Penn State assistant football coach, the panel began looking at strengthening Iowa’s law. That could mean adding college officials and coaches to the mandatory reporting list that now includes health professionals, teachers, day care providers and other similar professionals. Whether or not college-level officials are made mandatory reporters, Branstad said, “If you see something that’s inappropriate, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities, be that law enforcement or somebody that has authority to do something.”
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