The bill amends Louisiana law to enhance the rights and procedures for survivors of sexual assault, replacing the term "victims" with "survivors" to promote a more supportive language. It mandates that hospitals and healthcare providers offer immediate and private medical treatment to sexual assault survivors without requiring them to report the incident to law enforcement. However, if the survivor is a minor or unable to make decisions, the healthcare provider must notify law enforcement. The bill also ensures that all evidence collected during medical examinations is securely preserved and outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers regarding billing, ensuring that survivors are not directly billed for forensic medical examinations.

Additionally, the legislation establishes a sexual assault survivor bill of rights, which includes the right to receive information about emergency contraception and the option to have an advocate present during medical examinations. It requires healthcare providers to submit claims for payment directly to the Crime Victim Reparations Board, alleviating financial burdens on survivors. The bill also emphasizes transparency and access to records, prohibits the use of polygraph tests in investigations, and allows for complaints regarding violations of these rights to be submitted to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children for oversight. Overall, the bill aims to create a compassionate environment for survivors while prioritizing their rights and needs within the healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
SB124 Original: 40:1(A)(1)
SB124 Engrossed:
SB124 Enrolled:
SB124 Act 669: