Bill > SB1005

This bill modifies Virginia's laws regarding sexual assault patient services by replacing the term "sexual assault survivor" with "sexual assault patient" throughout existing statutes. The bill requires all health care facilities to provide written information about local and statewide sexual and domestic violence advocacy services to both adult and pediatric patients. It removes previous requirements for hospitals to enter into memorandums of understanding with rape crisis centers and eliminates provisions allowing sexual assault patients to be transferred to clinics. The bill repeals the existing statute establishing the Task Force on Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault and instead directs the Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services to convene a new work group. This work group, comprised of representatives from various healthcare, legal, and advocacy organizations, will focus on developing sustainable funding strategies for sexual assault medical forensic examinations and services. The work group is mandated to submit recommendations to specific legislative committees by November 1, 2025. The changes aim to update terminology, streamline reporting processes, and improve support mechanisms for sexual assault patients across Virginia's healthcare system.

Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1005