Code of Maine Rules
26 - DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
550 - VICTIMS' COMPENSATION BOARD
Chapter 8 - RULES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS
Section 550-8-3 - Payment for Forensic Examinations for alleged victims of gross sexual assault
Current through 2024-13, March 27, 2024
1. A victim seeking examination and treatment following a gross sexual assault shall be exempted from the payment of expenses incurred as a result of sexual assault forensic examination services. The licensed hospital or licensed health care practitioner may bill the patient or patient's insurer for services outside the scope of the forensic examination. A victim may apply to the Victims' Compensation Board for reimbursement for losses outside the scope of the gross sexual assault forensic examination.
2. The Victims' Compensation Board shall pay the costs of forensic examinations for alleged victims of gross sexual assault from the Victims' Compensation Fund. To be reimbursable an examination must incorporate the use of a uniform standardized forensic examination kit distributed by the Department of Public Safety, and that use must have a forensic basis. If at any time a uniform kit is not available for distribution, the licensed hospital or licensed health care practitioner must use a standardized evidence collection kit that has met the requirements established by rule of the Department of Public Safety. The maximum payment by the fund for a forensic examination shall not exceed the statutory maximum of $500.00. The Board may delegate to the director of the Victims' Compensation Board the review of claims and approval of reimbursement for services included in forensic examinations in accord with rules and guidelines established by the Victims' Compensation Board. Payments from the Compensation Fund shall be made directly to the licensed hospital or licensed health care practitioner and shall be considered payment in full and shall bar balance billing or other actions for collection.