Governor Signs Bill Creating Telehealth Network of Forensic Examiners
JEFFERSON CITY — Survivors of sexual assault will have greater access to proper forensic examination and evidence collection, commonly called ‘rape kits,’ now that the “Justice for Survivors Act,” advanced by state Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has been signed into law by the governor.
“Survivors of sexual assault deserve justice, care and comfort. Unfortunately, too many Missouri hospitals do not have the resources needed to properly respond to these traumatic situations,” Sen. Schupp said. “I am deeply grateful the governor has signed the ‘Justice for Survivors Act’ so survivors will no longer be faced with the difficult decision to forgo a rape kit or to drive great distances to obtain one. This legislation will help hospitals, survivors and law enforcement put sexual predators behind bars.”
Senator Schupp’s “Justice for Survivors Act” establishes a telehealth network of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), who are qualified to collect evidence following an attack. The measure addresses a shortage of certified personnel at many hospitals. The act is included in Senate Bill 569, which passed 31-0 in the Missouri Senate and approved 150-3 in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Currently, some Missouri hospitals are unable to conduct a complete forensic examination or properly collect evidence because they do not have a SANE on staff. Through SB 569, hospitals without a certified SANE on staff will be able to seek professional consultation through the telehealth network, allowing hospitals access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to appropriate professional assistance. The legislation requires all hospitals to provide a forensic examination to collect evidence upon request and consent of a victim of a sexual offense.
For more information on Sen. Schupp’s legislation, visit her official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schupp.