SS/SB 1159 - This act modifies provisions relating to forensic examinations of sexual offense victims. If the appropriate medical provider reasonably believes the sexual offender could be a parent or guardian of the victim and the victim is a minor under the age of eighteen, the medical provider shall only be required to provide written notice to the nonoffending parent or guardian of the forensic examination.
The Department of Health and Senior Services currently develops a checklist for medical providers to refer to when providing treatment. Under this act, the department shall also develop an evidentiary collection kit, when appropriate, for medical providers.
Currently, the Department of Health and Senior Services pays medical providers to cover the forensic exam charges for people who may be victims of sexual offenses. Under this act, the Department of Public Safety shall pay the cost of the exams to the medical providers with money from the newly created "Sexual Offense Forensic Examination Compensation Fund". The fund shall consist of money from the crime victims' compensation fund and the state general revenue fund. Federal funds may also be used to make payments to such medical providers.
The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing which procedures performed by medical providers shall qualify for payment from the federal funds and the Sexual Offense Forensic Examination Compensation Fund and establishing reimbursements rates for such procedures. The checklists for medical providers shall be used when promulgating the rules.
This act is similar to HB 2275 (2008).
SUSAN HENDERSON MOORE