Bill > SB87

This bill clarifies and establishes requirements for forensic medical examinations, which are medical assessments conducted to collect evidence and assess injuries related to sexual offenses. It mandates that the county where an alleged rape or sexual offense occurred must cover the costs of these examinations, including provider services, supplies, laboratory testing, medications, and radiology. The bill also specifies that hospitals and clinics providing these examinations must coordinate with counties to establish payment processes and inform victims that examinations are available at no cost, regardless of their participation in the criminal justice system. Furthermore, it allows minors aged sixteen and older to consent to these examinations without parental or guardian permission, with exceptions if the guardian is the suspected perpetrator. The bill defines "forensic medical examination" to include physical trauma examination, patient interview, and evidence collection, and also defines "sexual assault nurse examiner" as a specially trained registered nurse and "sexual assault response team" as a collaborative group of professionals who assist victims. It outlines who can administer these examinations, requiring physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or sexual assault nurse examiners to have appropriate training, with provisions for telehealth observation. Finally, it mandates that hospitals and clinics establish policies and procedures for administering these examinations, including coordination with law enforcement, sexual assault response teams, and providing information about victim advocates.

Health and Social Services

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/26316