A significant move to revamp services for survivors of sexual assault is on its way to the Illinois governor's desk after receiving bipartisan support from lawmakers. The legislation introduced as Senate Bill 1602 aims to bolster the Illinois Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (IL SANE) Program, which provides specialized care for victims of sexual assault, ensuring they are treated with a consistent and trauma-informed approach.
According to a report by the Illinois Attorney General's website, the bill is the brainchild of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force. After the task force's inception in 2018, they pulled in feedback from over 40 stakeholders to craft the final report, helping to shape the amendments being proposed. State Sen. Julie Morrison, sponsoring the bill, highlighted the urgent need for reform, stating, "Survivors deserve compassionate care that meets them where they’re at and puts their needs at the forefront."
The legislation addresses several key areas. Training for sexual assault nurse examiners will increase, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is set to enforce the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) more clearly with an established complaint process. These steps are put forward to hold violators to account and improve access and quality of care for survivors.
"The Illinois SANE Program helps provide quality, trauma-informed, patient-centered care to individuals during what is often the worst moment of their lives," Attorney General Kwame Raoul told the Illinois Attorney General's website. Further underscoring the importance of the bill, Raoul mentioned that "Sexual assault survivors deserve care that is accessible, adheres to best practices to minimize additional trauma and contributes to justice being served in their cases."
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who sponsored the legislation in the House, expressed her gratitude for Raoul's leadership and the collaborative effort to improve how sexual assault survivors are treated within the state's emergency rooms. "I am endlessly grateful to Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his team for pulling together the broad array of voices that allowed us to revamp and modernize our state’s law," Cassidy articulated in an interview obtained by the Illinois Attorney General's website.
The bill also aims to rectify issues related to the transfer of hospitals and improve the follow-up care system for survivors by allowing for reimbursement of medical care even if a survivor opts not to transfer for a forensic examination. In addition, it sets forth best practices for pediatric care and consent for pediatric evidence collection, addressing current confusion among providers and law enforcement.
With the governor's signature, the wide-reaching implications of this legislation are poised to create a more responsive and sensitive system for survivors of sexual assault, with the expectation to enhance both the prosecution process and the healing journey for individuals affected by such traumatic experiences.
