Originally published: . Volume 6, No. 5. Source pages: 6.
House Bill 194, authored by Representative Helena Moreno creates standards and procedures for the examination and treatment of victims of a sexually-oriented criminal offense and the subsequent billing for the services rendered as a result of the offense.
Present law requires the coroner or his designee to examine all alleged victims of rape, carnal knowledge, sexual battery, and crime against nature when such cases are under police investigation. The new law would expand this to victims of any sexually-oriented criminal offense. It would also remove the requirement that the case be under police investigation.
Present law requires all licensed hospitals to adhere to the procedures set forth in present law. HB 194 would expand present law to apply to healthcare providers and provide that the procedures constitute minimum standards of care for healthcare providers. It also notes that failure to comply with the standards shall constitute grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of license.
Also, the proposed law prohibits a hospital or healthcare provider from directly billing a victim for services rendered in conducting a forensic medical examination.
The measure is pending in the House Judiciary Committee.
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