Bill > HB979

This bill establishes the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act, which requires hospitals and health care facilities that provide emergency care to sexual assault victims to follow specific standards of care. Under this act, these facilities must orally inform sexual assault victims about the option of emergency contraception, provide the complete regimen of emergency contraception immediately to any victim who requests it, and offer sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment. The bill defines sexual assault comprehensively, including various types of rape and sodomy as specified in Missouri law, and establishes a clear definition of what constitutes emergency care for sexual assault victims. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement these provisions, with the new standards set to take effect after August 28, 2025. The goal of the bill is to ensure comprehensive, compassionate medical care for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, providing them with critical medical services and support in the immediate aftermath of an assault.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB979&year=2025&code=R