Arizona State senator Sine Kerr’s legislation, SB1593, that ensures victims of a sexual crime are not charged for any part of the medical or forensic examination related to the crime was signed into law last week.
Victims of sexual assault have been charged as much as $800 for a forensic nurse visit and the collection of evidence that will later be used by prosecutors.
The legislation prohibits health care institutions from charging an intake, consultation, facility or other fee to a patient as part of a medical and forensic interview or examination for a sexual assault. It also prohibits health care institutions from billing a sexual assault patient seeking care either directly or through a billing company.
“Sending victims of sexual abuse a bill for their examinations is an unacceptable and abusive practice,” said Kerr. “Senate Bill 1593 will make sure it no longer happens in Arizona. I was proud to sponsor this important legislation and work with my fellow legislators to pass it unanimously through both the House and Senate.”
Additionally, S.B. 1593 expands the list of sexual offenses for which counties are required to pay for medical and forensic examinations to include additional sexual crimes against victims ages 15 to 17 that were not included in the prior statute.
Each county must also publish on its website the name of the county official who is responsible for paying the expenses for any medical or forensic examination.