Plain Language Summary
# SANE Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SANE Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have at least one trained sexual assault nurse examiner or qualified forensic examiner at every VA hospital and urgent care facility. If a veteran is examined for sexual assault at a VA facility, the healthcare provider must refer them to mental health services—either through the VA or through community providers if VA wait times exceed 30 days. The bill aims to improve care access without reducing other patient services at these facilities. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts veterans who experience sexual assault and seek care through the VA healthcare system.
It also affects VA hospitals and urgent care facilities, which would need to ensure they have the necessary trained staff to provide specialized forensic examinations and coordinate mental health referrals. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
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.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.