HB 2690-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that "emergency care to victims of sexual assault" means medical examinations, procedures, and services provided by a hospital emergency room to a victim of sexual assault following an alleged sexual assault.

     Provides that "emergency contraception" means any health care treatment approved by the food and drug administration that prevents pregnancy, including but not limited to administering two increased doses of certain oral contraceptive pills within seventy-two hours of sexual contact.

     Provides that every hospital providing emergency care to a victim of sexual assault shall:  (1) Provide the victim with medically and factually accurate and unbiased written and oral information about emergency contraception;

     (2) Orally inform each victim of sexual assault of her option to be provided emergency contraception at the hospital; and

     (3) If not medically contraindicated, provide emergency contraception immediately at the hospital to each victim of sexual assault who requests it.

     Directs the department to convene a task force, composed of representatives from community sexual assault programs and other relevant stakeholders including advocacy agencies, medical agencies, and hospital associations, to provide input into the development and evaluation of the education materials and rule development.  The task force shall expire on January 1, 2004.