HB 797 -- Victims of Sexual Offenses

Sponsor:  Baker (25)

This bill changes the laws regarding the collection of evidence
of a sexual assault.  The bill:

(1)  Requires the State Highway Patrol to develop evidentiary
collection kits for the forensic examination of victims of sexual
assault and distribute the kits to medical providers who conduct
the exams;

(2)  Limits who can conduct sexual assault forensic exams to
licensed physicians and nurses;

(3)  Extends from 48 hours to 72 hours the time within which
medical providers must file their report of a forensic exam;

(4)  Prohibits medical providers from charging the victim for the
exam, unless payment for the exam has been denied by the Crime
Victims' Compensation Fund;

(5)  Requires hospitals to have at least one evidentiary
collection kit at all times;

(6)  Requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to
develop a treatment checklist for sexual assault victims that
complies with the national guidelines established by the American
College of Emergency Physicians; and

(7)  Requires the department to include in its inspections
whether a hospital's protocol for treating sexual assault victims
meets national guidelines.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:20 pm