50-25.2-11. Retaliation prohibited - Presumption - Penalty

50-25.2-11. Retaliation prohibited - Presumption - Penalty 1. An employer who imposes any form of discipline or retaliation against an employee solely because the employee reported in good faith having knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect that a vulnerable adult is or has been abused or neglected, or because the employee is a vulnerable adult with respect to whom a report was made, is guilty of a class B misdemeanor. 2. The employer of a person permitted to report pursuant to section 50-25.2-12 who retaliates against the person because of a report is liable to that person in a civil action for all damages. 3. A rebuttable presumption that retaliation has occurred arises when an adverse action is taken within ninety days of the report. An adverse action includes: a. The discharge from or termination of employment; b. The demotion, negative work performance evaluation, reduction of hours worked, reduction of benefits or work privileges, or reduction in remuneration for services of the employee; or c. The restriction or prohibition of access by the employee to any place of employment or persons affiliated with the place of employment.