H.R. 5203: 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.

This bill aims to enhance the management and response to acute sexual assault incidents involving veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here are the key elements of what the bill would do:

1. Update Directives for Acute Sexual Assault Management

The bill mandates that within 18 months of its enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must update existing directives regarding the emergency management of acute sexual assault for veterans. These updates should ensure that:

• All VA employees responding to veterans are provided new policies and guidance.
• Each VA medical facility must employ a certified Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) or refer veterans to a non-VA provider who does.
• Medical facilities maintain a supply of unexpired rape kits for use in sexual assault cases.
• Veterans are offered prophylactic treatments for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy if clinically indicated.
• Mental health counseling options are provided to veterans, either through VA services or referrals to outside providers.
• Clear procedures are established to guide police officers in documenting incidents and notifying local law enforcement while maintaining veterans' confidentiality.

2. Training for VA Employees

The bill requires specific training for VA employees and police officers:

• Staff of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) must undergo annual training on the updated directives.
• Department police officers must receive yearly training on their responsibilities related to investigating and documenting acute sexual assaults, utilizing trauma-informed approaches.

This training can be provided either in-person or online, with at least one in-person session every five years. It must include adapted instruction specific to the employee's facility and locality.

3. Oversight and Compliance Monitoring

Directors of Veteran Integrated Service Networks will be responsible for monitoring adherence to the new requirements and investigating any failures to comply. They will assess the reasons for non-compliance and determine if additional support or resources are needed to ensure that all facilities follow the updated directives.

4. Definitions

The bill defines several key terms:

• Acute sexual assault: Refers to unwanted sexual contact with an alleged perpetrator.
• Covered veteran: A veteran who shows symptoms of acute sexual assault at a VA facility within 72 hours after the incident.
• SAFE: Sexual Assault Forensic Examination.
• SANE: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

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