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SB 1159 - This act modifies provisions relating to forensic examinations of sexual offense victims. If the appropriate medical provider reasonably believes the sexual offender could be a parent or guardian of the victim and the victim is a minor under the age of eighteen, the medical provider shall only be required to provide written notice to the nonoffending parent or guardian of the forensic examination. Currently, the Attorney General develops the forms and procedures for gathering evidence during a forensic exam and the Department of Health and Senior Services develops checklists for appropriate medical providers to use while providing treatment to victims. Under this act, separate forms, procedures, and checklists shall be developed for victims age fourteen and younger and age fifteen and older. Currently, the Department of Health and Senior Services pays medical providers to cover the forensic exam charges for people who may be victims of sexual offenses. Under this act, the Department of Public Safety shall pay the medical providers with money from the newly created "Sexual Offense Forensic Examination Compensation Fund". The fund shall consist of money from the crime victims' compensation fund, the state general revenue fund, and federal funds. The Department of Public Safety shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing which procedures performed by medical providers shall qualify for coverage under the Sexual Offense Forensic Examination Compensation Fund and establishing reimbursements rates for such procedures. The checklists for medical providers shall be used when promulgating the rules. SUSAN HENDERSON MOORE
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