52:4B-52 Duties of program coordinator; "rape care advocate" defined
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4.The program coordinator shall:
- Coordinate the county Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program in accordance with standard protocols for
the provision of information and services to victims of sexual assault developed by the Attorney General
pursuant to subsection d. of section 6 of P.L.1985, c.404 (C.52:4B-44);
Perform forensic sexual assault examinations on victims of sexual assault in accordance with the
standards developed by the Attorney General and appropriate medical and nursing
standards of care;
Designate one or more licensed physicians or certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiners to
perform forensic sexual assault examinations on victims of sexual assault in
accordance with the standards developed by the Attorney General and appropriate
medical and nursing standards of care;
Develop and implement standardized guidelines for forensic sexual assault examinations performed by
designated physicians or certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiners in the
county;
Develop and implement a standardized education and training program to provide instruction to members
of the county Sexual Assault Response Team established pursuant to section 6 of this
act which shall include, but not be limited to, instruction in the following areas:
- the importance of a coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to a report of
sexual assault;
- the policies and procedures which govern the responsibilities of each team
member;
- the psychological effects of sexual assault and rape trauma syndrome on the
victim and the victim's family and friends;
- the collection, handling and documentation of forensic evidence; and
- confidentiality issues associated with the treatment of a victim of sexual
assault and the investigation of a report of sexual assault;
- Establish, in cooperation with licensed health care facilities, private waiting
rooms and areas designated for forensic sexual assault examinations and the provision of
rape care services in the licensed health care facilities participating in the program;
- Develop, in cooperation with licensed health care facilities, protocols for the
storage of forensic evidence;
- Provide appropriate services to victims of sexual assault, including the
opportunity to tend to personal hygiene needs, obtain fresh clothing and speak with a
rape care advocate prior to and during any medical procedure or law enforcement
investigation, unless the victim requires immediate medical attention, as appropriate;
- Collaborate with law enforcement officials and the county rape care program to
ensure that the needs of victims of sexual assault are met in a compassionate manner; and
- Participate in regular meetings of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program
Coordinating Council established pursuant to section 7 of this act.
As used in this section and section 6 of this act, "rape care advocate" means a victim counselor, as
defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1987, c.169 (C.2A:84A-22.14), who specializes in the provision of
rape care services.
L.2001,c.81,s.4.
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