Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations
Use of specially educated and clinically prepared examiners
Conduct exams at sites served by specially educated and clinically prepared examiners. Some jurisdictions designate specific facilities as exam locations because they employ or have ready access to specially educated and clinically prepared examiners, as well as the necessary space, equipment, supplies, and policies to facilitate the exam process. Jurisdictions may rely on examiner programs to serve multiple exam sites within a specific area.[1] Communities can benefit from designated exam facilities and examiner programs that use specially educated and clinically prepared examiners to conduct the exam because they:
- Increase the likelihood of a state-of-the-art examination;
- Enhance a coordinated team approach;
- Encourage quality control (e.g., through use of competent and dedicated examiners, established procedures for evidence collection, and standards for medical care); and
- Increase the quality of care for patients and attention to their needs.
[1] A mobile examiner program may be based in a health care facility—in addition to providing services at that facility, it also may contract with other exam sites to provide services as requested. Such a program may also be independent, with administrative offices only, and solely contract with exam sites to provide examiner services.
