This bill amends the North Dakota Century Code to update the definition of a "children's advocacy center" and enhance the confidentiality of communications and records held by these centers. The definition now specifies that a children's advocacy center must be an accredited or associate member of the national children's alliance, emphasizing its role in coordinating investigations of child abuse through a child-friendly environment that facilitates forensic interviews and medical examinations.

Additionally, the bill strengthens the confidentiality provisions regarding records and digital media related to forensic medical examinations, interviews, and advocacy services. It allows for the release of such records only to specific entities, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and medical professionals, under certain conditions. The bill also permits staff of children's advocacy centers to communicate with relevant authorities for professional purposes and introduces a provision for criminal history record checks for individuals associated with the centers who have contact with children.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 50-25.1-02, 50-25.1-11.1
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 50-25.1-02, 50-25.1-11.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 50-25.1-02, 50-25.1-11.1
Enrollment: 50-25.1-02, 50-25.1-11.1