Medical and Qualified Providers
Sexual Abuse Exam (SAE) Payment Program
The State of Iowa pays for the sexual assault examination regardless of whether the victim reports the crime to law enforcement. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that prosecutors and law enforcement officers have access to evidence that is efficiently and effectively collected, should the victim later report the crime.
Neither the victim nor the victim's insurance company should be billed for any expenses. Hospitals, physicians, and other medical providers who collect and process evidence of sexual abuse submit bills directly to the Sexual Abuse Examination Payment Program. If a victim is erroneously billed and pays for the cost of the evidence collection, the program will reimburse that victim.
Payment for Qualified Providers and Facilities
In addition to payment for actual expenses, the Victim Assistance Section reimburses qualified providers and facilities for performing sexual assault examinations.
Iowa Standards for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (Qualified Providers)
On December 18, 2024, the Iowa Standards for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners went into effect requiring all registered nurses, doctors of medicine or doctors of osteopathic medicine, advance registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to to meet or exceed the standards in 61--9 79(915) if they wanted to be eligible for reimbursement from the state for mileage and compensation for performing sexual assault examinations.
Provider Payment
A qualified provider who performs a sexual assault forensic examination or sexual abuse services within thirty days following the date of sexual abuse, for Child Protection Centers within 30 days of sexual abuse disclosure, will be eligible to receive $400 and the $300 facility fee. In order for the provider fee to be paid by the Iowa Attorney General's Office Victim Assistance Section the following requirements must be met:
- The provider is recognized as a qualified provider by the Iowa Attorney General's Office.
- If a sexual assault kit was offered, but declined, the qualified provider shall submit the invoice and the consent form to the Victim Assistance Section in order to receive payment.
- If a sexual assault kit was offered and performed, then the qualified provider shall submit the invoice and the consent form to the the Victim Assistance Section and enter the kit into the Track Kit System. If any of these steps are not completed, then payment will not be rendered.
Non-Qualified Providers and Facilities
These requirements also apply to medical professionals who have not applied to become a qualified provider. The difference is only a qualified providers are eligible for payment from the section.
When a facility submits an invoice for payment for the facility fee and there was a sexual assault kit used, the facility fee will not be paid without the following requirements being met:
- Copy of the consent form must be submitted with the invoice.
- The consent form must include the Track Kit tracking number
- The Track Kit software must be updated showing the kit was entered into the system.
Track Kit
Per Iowa Code 709.10 medical professionals that collect a sexual assault exam kit must update the status of the kit in the Track Kit system within 48 hours of completion of the collection. As you go through the set up of the kit, it is important that the victim retains the right to provide answers to any of the questions on the kit. Victims can remain anonymous if they wish. Compliance with the Track Kit system is required for a facility that is submitting invoices to the Victim Assistance Section.
Free Educational Videos
Caring for the Sexually Assaulted Patient When There is No SANE in Sight: A Training for ALL Healthcare Providers (2 hour free training)- No SANE In Sight – IAFN (forensicnurses.org)
Why Your Hospital Needs SANE Nurses- SANE 365 – IAFN (forensicnurses.org)
Multidisciplinary Approach- https://youtu.be/QFHm_n5k_uQ
