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Bill > HB2088


VA HB2088

VA HB2088
Va. Forensic Nursing Advisory Council; established.


summary

Introduced
01/07/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
02/20/2025
Passed
03/07/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/24/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council established; sexual assault forensic examiners; physical evidence recovery kits; report. Establishes the Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council (the Council), which consists of five members appointed by the Governor, each of whom shall have expertise in forensic examination of sexual assault victims and shall currently reside and practice in the Commonwealth. The Council shall review and make recommendations as necessary to the Board of Health with support from the Coordinator of the Virginia Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Coordination Program concerning (i) criteria to become a sexual assault forensic examiner, (ii) the process for certification as a sexual assault forensic examiner, (iii) the curriculum and training program of an entity seeking approval to train sexual assault forensic examiners, (iv) qualifications of prospective sexual assault forensic examiners, and (v) strategies for expanding access to sexual assault forensic examiners. The bill requires the Council to report, at least annually, to the General Assembly regarding the status of sexual assault forensics in the Commonwealth, including any recommendations to improve the quality of such services. The bill also amends provisions of law related to physical evidence recovery kits. This bill is identical to SB 1041.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council, a five-member advisory board appointed by the Governor, consisting of sexual assault forensic examiners who currently reside and practice in Virginia. Each council member will serve up to two consecutive four-year terms and will be responsible for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board of Health regarding sexual assault forensic examiner standards, including the criteria for becoming an examiner, certification processes, training program curricula, and qualifications for prospective examiners. The bill also introduces new definitions related to sexual assault forensic examinations, such as "sexual assault forensic examiner" and "telehealth sexual assault forensic examination," and creates provisions allowing healthcare providers to conduct telehealth sexual assault forensic examinations when an in-person examiner is not readily available. Additionally, the bill requires the Council to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the status of sexual assault forensics in Virginia and offering recommendations for improving these critical services. The legislation aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and standardization of sexual assault forensic examinations across the Commonwealth.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0529) (on 03/24/2025)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2088
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2088/text/CHAP0529
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2088) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1070192.PDF
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2088) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1069966.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2088/text/HB2088ER
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2088) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1030102.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2088/text/HB2088H1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2088) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023432.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2088/text/HB2088
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