Bill > SB924

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 legislation, these medical facilities must verbally inform sexual assault victims about the availability of emergency contraception, provide the full regimen of emergency contraception immediately upon request, and offer sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment. The bill defines sexual assault broadly to include various types of rape and sexual offenses, and defines a sexual assault victim as a person alleged to have been sexually assaulted and presented as a patient. Emergency contraception is specifically defined as any U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug or device that prevents pregnancy after sexual intercourse. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement the act, with the provisions set to take effect after August 28, 2026. The bill aims to ensure comprehensive and compassionate medical care for sexual assault victims by standardizing their treatment and access to critical medical services.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=550