SANE Act of 2024 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals Act of 2024
The bill is expected to significantly improve the availability of mental health care referrals for veterans who undergo sexual assault examinations. Health care providers will be required to verbally refer individuals to mental health care services, ensuring that veterans receive necessary follow-up and support after the examination. A vital aspect of the bill is the commitment from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to maintain existing patient care responsibilities, which aims to uphold the quality of care provided to all veterans.
House Bill 10000, known as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals Act of 2024 or SANE Act of 2024, aims to enhance the support and care for veterans who have experienced sexual assault. This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs employ at least one sexual assault nurse examiner at each Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility or ensure that a qualified health care provider is available to perform sexual assault forensic examinations if a nurse examiner cannot be employed. This approach is designed to provide specialized care and support for veterans in a sensitive and timely manner.
Discussions around HB 10000 highlight the importance of ensuring that veterans have access to specialized care. While the bill is largely supported, some concerns have been raised about the implementation of such services across all VA facilities, particularly in areas where it may be challenging to recruit qualified personnel. Additionally, the sustainability of funding for these positions and services may pose a challenge, affecting the consistent support for veterans in need.