Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council established; sexual assault forensic examiners; physical evidence recovery kits. Establishes the Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council (the Council), which consists of five members appointed by the Governor, each of whom shall have expertise in forensic examination of sexual assault victims and shall currently reside and practice in the Commonwealth. The Council shall review and make recommendations as necessary to the Criminal Justice Services Board (the Board) with support from the Coordinator of the Virginia Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Coordination Program (the Coordinator) concerning (i) criteria to become a sexual assault forensic examiner, (ii) the process for certification as a sexual assault forensic examiner, (iii) the curriculum and training program of an entity seeking approval to train sexual assault forensic examiners, (iv) qualifications of prospective sexual assault forensic examiners, and (v) strategies for expanding access to sexual assault forensic examiners. The bill requires the Council to report, at least annually, to the General Assembly regarding the status of sexual assault forensics in the Commonwealth, including any recommendations to improve the quality of such services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9.1-102, 9.1-191, 19.2-11.5, 19.2-368.3
Education and Health Substitute : 9.1-191, 19.2-11.5, 19.2-368.3
Finance and Appropriations Substitute: 9.1-191
Courts of Justice Substitute: 9.1-191, 19.2-11.5, 19.2-368.3