This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to employ sexual assault nurse examiners at their medical facilities to improve care for veterans who experience sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals Act of 2025 or the SANE Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to employ at each of its hospitals and urgent care facilities at least one sexual assault nurse examiner or a health care provider who is qualified to conduct a sexual assault forensic examination. The bill also provides that after examining an individual for sexual assault, a VA health care provider must verbally refer the individual to mental health care services furnished by the VA in a VA hospital or by a non-VA provider under the Veterans Community Care Program if the wait time for services at a VA hospital exceeds 30 days. In providing such duties related to sexual assault care, the VA must ensure that there is no reduction in, or negative effect on, the patient care responsibilities otherwise carried out by its employees.
1. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to hire sexual assault nurse examiners at their medical facilities. 2. If a sexual assault nurse examiner is unavailable, qualified healthcare providers must conduct the examinations. 3. Veterans who undergo sexual assault examinations will receive referrals for mental health services if needed. 4. The bill ensures that hiring these examiners does not negatively impact other patient care responsibilities.