To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.

Key Points

• The VA would have 18 months to update its rules for helping veterans who report a sexual assault within 72 hours. This includes making sure every VA medical center has a plan to provide expert forensic exams, either on-site or through a local partner hospital.
• VA hospitals that perform these exams would be required to keep fresh, unexpired rape kits in stock. Staff would also have to offer veterans medicine to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases if it is medically necessary for their care.
• The bill requires the VA to offer mental health counseling to every veteran who reports an assault. If the VA cannot provide the care themselves, they must help the veteran find a local doctor and coordinate the transition to make sure the veteran gets the help they need.
• VA police and medical staff would receive new annual training on how to handle these cases with care. This training must include specific information about local laws and cannot just be reading a handbook. Every five years, this training must be done in person.
• VA police would get clear instructions on when and how to report assaults to local law enforcement. These rules are meant to balance the need for a police report with the veteran's right to keep their personal information private during a difficult time.

Impact Analysis

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