HB0028

HB0028 Bill Summary Bill No.: HB0028 Drafter: LGC LSO No.: 06LSO-0104 Effective Date: 7/1/2006 Enrolled Act No.: HEA0010 Chapter No.: 77 Prime Sponsor: Representative Petersen Catch Title: Sexual assault examinations. Subject: Amends the laws providing for sexual assault evaluations. Summary/Major Elements: The bill provides that a sexual assault examination may be made by a licensed health care provider acting within the scope of his practice. The sexual assault examination may include a medical examination and treatment, evidence collection and evaluation and appropriate referrals for follow up treatment and services. Results of the examination and the evidence may be released to a law enforcement agency with consent of the victim. The bill allows a minor victim to consent to an examination if the minor's parents cannot be located. The bill provides that if a report of sexual assault involves a minor and the alleged perpetrator is the parent or guardian of the minor, the parent shall not be notified. The bill requires the examiner to send the bill for specific examination costs to the law enforcement agency investigating the crime. The bill specifies that the victim shall be informed of her rights as a victim and her right to informed consent. The bill provides that the sexual assault examination shall remain confidential healthcare information unless the victim or the victim's parent or legal guardian signs a release of the information for prosecution purposes.