SDCL § 22-22-26.5: Forensic medical examination--Definitions.

For the purposes of §§ 22-22-26 to 22-22-26.4, inclusive, and §§ 22-22-26.6 to 22-22-26.8, inclusive, the following terms mean:

(1) "Forensic medical examination," a medical assessment, administered in accordance with § 22-22-26.6, with the following components:

(a) Examination of physical trauma;

(b) Patient interview, determination of medical history, triage, and consultation; and

(c) Collection and evaluation of any evidence, including any photographic documentation; preservation and maintenance of the chain of custody of evidence; medical specimen collection; and any assessment of whether an alcohol-facilitated sexual assault or a drug-facilitated sexual assault occurred and any toxicology screening deemed necessary by the attending physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or sexual assault nurse examiner;

(2) "Sexual assault nurse examiner," a registered nurse, licensed in accordance with chapter 36-9, who has completed specialized education and clinical training in the medical forensic care of patients who have experienced sexual assault; and

(3) "Sexual assault response team," a multidisciplinary, interagency group of law enforcement officials, health care providers, victim advocates, and representatives from state's attorney offices, who collaborate to provide a coordinated response to sexual assault and to improve health and judicial outcomes for victims.