Relating to the minimum standards for the certifications of sexual assault training programs and sexual assault nurse examiners and for certification renewal by those entities.
Impact
The impact of HB 1989 on state laws will primarily involve amendments to the Government Code. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the Attorney General in establishing and renewing the certification standards for sexual assault programs and nurse examiners. The bill also stipulates that the certifications will be valid for two years, helping ensure that practitioners remain qualified and up-to-date on current practices and guidelines in the field. By incorporating these standards into state law, the bill aims to improve the response to sexual assault incidents through better trained professionals.
Summary
House Bill 1989 aims to establish minimum standards for the certifications of sexual assault training programs and sexual assault nurse examiners in the state of Texas. The bill mandates that the Texas Attorney General adopt rules that will ensure uniformity in the certification process for these crucial roles, which serve as a vital resource in the handling of sexual assault cases. Specifically, this bill seeks to enhance the reliability and competency of sexual assault nurse examiners and the associated training programs by creating a structured overview of the necessary qualifications.
Contention
One point of contention surrounding HB 1989 may involve the implementation timeline and the specific standards that will be set. Stakeholders might debate the adequacy and appropriateness of the proposed training requirements and whether they effectively address the diverse needs of different communities across Texas. Additionally, concerns about the resources required to implement these standards and how they may affect existing programs could be raised. It is essential that the Attorney General carefully considers input from healthcare and legal professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach.
Implementation
If passed, the Attorney General is required to adopt the necessary rules by December 1, 2011, indicating a specific timeline for compliance and action. The bill also aims to provide not only a framework for certification but also provisions for handling instances where programs or nurse examiners violate the established standards, thereby holding them accountable and ensuring high-quality training and practice. Thus, HB 1989 seeks to promote public safety through informed and competent care in cases of sexual assault.
Identical
Relating to the minimum standards for the certifications of sexual assault training programs and sexual assault nurse examiners and for certification renewal by those entities.
Relating to required training and continuing education requirements for persons who provide medical care or other support to survivors of sexual assault.
Relating to the composition, continuation, and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force, compensation for task force members and certain other task force participants, and establishment of a mandatory training program for persons responding to reports of and treating survivors of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.
Relating to the continuation and duties of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force and establishment of a mandatory training program for peace officers on responding to reports of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to the rights of victims of sexual assault and to certain procedures and reimbursements occurring with respect to a sexual assault or other sex offense.
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole of certain persons convicted of sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to human trafficking, including the prosecution and punishment of compelling and solicitation of prostitution and other sexual or assaultive offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the admissibility of evidence of certain extraneous offenses or acts in the prosecution of sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault or an attempt or conspiracy to commit sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault.