§40723 Sexual assault forensic exam program grants

Summary

The Attorney General must give grants, working with the Health and Human Services Secretary, to help develop and run sexual assault forensic exam programs. Grants pay to set up regional SANE training, hire and pay full‑ or part‑time SANEs and SAFEs (including pediatric specialists), buy simulation labs and other training tools, and teach staff about collecting and using DNA evidence. Applications that work with rape crisis centers or State sexual assault coalitions get priority if they use the money to start training in high‑volume trauma areas, expand SANE/SAFE coverage in rural, Tribal, shortage, or underserved areas (including culturally competent care), or create mobile teams and telehealth access. By the start of fiscal year 2022 the Attorney General must tell hospitals, clinics, colleges, and similar groups about the grants and the role of adult and pediatric SANEs and must work with SANE organizations. By March 15, 2024 the Attorney General must post and update each year a public website showing, by State, SANE training funding and where sexual assault advocates are available at exam sites. By March 15, 2026 the Attorney General must report to designated congressional committees about SANE availability, which facilities offer exams and their coverage, access barriers, State training standards and continuing education, funding, advocate availability, and the total annual cost of exams described in section 10449(b). Congress authorized $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to carry out these rules. Key terms (short descriptions): Eligible entity — groups that can get grants (states, Tribes, local governments, hospitals, SANE/SAFE/SART programs, medical staff, victim service providers, state coalitions, health care facilities that do exams, SANE/SAFE training programs, and community programs that do exams outside hospitals). Health care facility — any medical facility that gives emergency care. Medical forensic examination (MFE) — a forensic medical exam by a trained provider that collects evidence, documents findings, treats injuries and related health needs, and provides follow‑up. Pediatric SANE/SAFE — SANE or SAFE trained to examine children and youth 0–18. Qualified personnel — nurses, doctors, or physician assistants with special MFE training. Qualified SANE/SAFE training program — a program that prepares SANEs to meet state and national standards under a trauma‑informed health model. Rural area and underserved populations — as defined in section 12291. Secretary — Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sexual assault — any nonconsensual sexual act or contact under law, including when someone cannot consent. SAFE — a person with forensic training who treats sexual assault survivors. Sexual assault forensic examination — same as an MFE. SANE — a registered or advanced practice nurse with special MFE training. SART — a multidisciplinary team that gives a specialized, immediate response and may include health, law enforcement, advocates, prosecutors, and forensic scientists. State — any U.S. State, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Trauma‑informed — care or training that is patient‑centered, supports dignity and empowerment, and uses evidence‑based practices.