The legislation mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to employ sexual assault nurse examiners at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
If a sexual assault nurse examiner cannot be employed, a qualified health care provider must be available to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations.
Health care providers must verbally refer individuals examined for sexual assault to mental health care services if needed.
Referrals to mental health care services must occur either within a Department hospital or through a Veterans Care Agreement if wait times exceed 30 days.
The legislation ensures that the employment of sexual assault nurse examiners does not negatively impact existing patient care responsibilities.
Definitions for “sexual assault nurse examiner” and “sexual assault forensic examination” are provided as per the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004.
