• Date Due: November 01, 2026
  • Author: Department of Criminal Justice Services
  • Enabling Authority: Chapter 859 Enactment Clause 2. (Regular Session, 2026)
  • Description:
    Report on the recommendations of the work group convened to discuss and submit recommendations for (i) streamlining and providing clarifying guidelines on the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia (OES) reimbursement process for forensic medical examinations; (ii) offering statewide educational training on the reimbursement process for forensic nurses; (iii) establishing clear personnel contacts for forensic nurses during the reimbursement process; (iv) ensuring sustainability of funding for all medical forensic examinations; (v) increasing the percentage of the submitted costs reimbursed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, created pursuant to § 19.2-368.18 of the Code of Virginia; (vi) reimbursing forensic nursing expert witness preparation and testimony by the OES; and (vii) reimbursing forensic nurses for services including mileage, professional time, and patient transportation costs associated with medical forensic examinations and follow-up care, including (a) travel between examination sites, (b) preparation for and participation in court proceedings, (c) participation in Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, (d) telehealth forensic services and consultations provided by both originating and receiving providers, and (e) transportation of patients to and from forensic and follow-up examinations. [Reporting requirements of Chapter 858, Enactment Clause 2., 2026 Acts of Assembly, are identical.]