1. (a) Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Procedure.—

   1. (1) In general.— Before embarking on any prescheduled voyage, a Coast Guard vessel shall have in place a written operating procedure that ensures that an embarked victim of sexual assault shall have access to a sexual assault forensic examination—

      1. (A) as soon as possible after the victim requests an examination; and
      2. (B) that is treated with the same level of urgency as emergency medical care.

   2. (2) Requirements.— The written operating procedure required by paragraph (1), shall, at a minimum, account for—

      1. (A) the health, safety, and privacy of a victim of sexual assault;
      2. (B) the proximity of ashore or afloat medical facilities, including coordination as necessary with the Department of Defense, including other military departments (as defined in section 101 of title 10);
      3. (C) the availability of aeromedical evacuation;
      4. (D) the operational capabilities of the vessel concerned;
      5. (E) the qualifications of medical personnel onboard;
      6. (F) coordination with law enforcement and the preservation of evidence;
      7. (G) the means of accessing a sexual assault forensic examination and medical care with a restricted report of sexual assault;
      8. (H) the availability of nonprescription pregnancy prophylactics; and
      9. (I) other unique military considerations.

(Added Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11272(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4066.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Annual Report

Pub. L. 117–263, div. K, title CXII, § 11272(c)(5), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 4067, provided that:

“The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] shall submit to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the House and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee of the Senate a report containing the number of sexual assault forensic examinations that were requested by, but not administered within 3 days to, alleged victims of sexual assault when such victims were onboard a vessel.”