SB2211: Sexual assault kits; require right of information to victim and regulate rights of victims to care and exams by hospitals.

Legislative Summary

An Act To Amend Section 99-51-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Comply With Requirements To Receive Federal Stop Grant Funds; To Provide That A Victim Of Sexual Assault Shall Have The Right To Be Informed In Writing Of Policies Governing The Collection And Preservation Of A Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit; To Provide That A Victim Of Sexual Assault Shall Have The Right To Be Informed Of The Rights Granted To The Victim Under Section 99-51-3(3); To Extend The Period Of Time For Written Notification To A Victim Of Sexual Assault Of A Law Enforcement Agency's Intent To Destroy Or Dispose Of The Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Or Any Other Crime Scene Evidence From An Unsolved Sexual Assault Case; To Require Licensed Hospitals That Operate An Emergency Department To Have At Least One Physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant Or Registered Nurse Who Is Available At All Times And Who Is Able To Conduct Forensic Examinations Of Victims Of Sexual Assault And Prepare Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits For Those Victims; To Require Licensed Hospitals To Screen, Treat Or Examine Victims Of Sexual Assault Who Present To A Hospital; To Require Licensed Hospitals To Maintain A Sufficient Supply Of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits For Use When Conducting Forensic Examinations Of Victims Of Sexual Assault; To Authorize Licensed Hospitals To Contract With Forensic Nurses To Conduct Forensic Examinations Of Victims Of Sexual Assault And Prepare Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits For The Hospital; And For Related Purposes.