1. A. The Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council (the Council) is hereby established as an advisory board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100 in the executive branch of state government. The Council shall consist of five members to be appointed by the Governor. Each member shall have expertise as a sexual assault forensic examiner, as defined in § 19.2-11.5, and shall currently reside and practice in the Commonwealth. Members shall be appointed for terms of four years and shall not be eligible to serve for more than two consecutive terms.

2. B. The Council shall review and make recommendations as necessary to the Board with support from the Coordinator of the Virginia Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Coordination Program, established pursuant to § 9.1-191, concerning:

   1. 1. Criteria to become a sexual assault forensic examiner;
   2. 2. The process for certification as a sexual assault forensic examiner;
   3. 3. The curriculum and training program of an entity seeking approval to train sexual assault forensic examiners; and
   4. 4. Qualifications of prospective sexual assault forensic examiners.
3. C. The Council shall periodically, but at least annually, submit a report to the General Assembly regarding the status of sexual assault forensics in the Commonwealth, including any recommendations to improve the quality of such services throughout the Commonwealth.

2025, cc. 529, 538.