Establishing a grant program for a nonprofit organization providing sexual assault forensic examination centers

This bill establishes a grant program in the department of justice for a nonprofit organization providing sexual assault forensic examination centers. _____ general to contract with an eligible nonprofit organization to operate and maintain sexual assault forensic examination centers in the state. The bill provides that a nonprofit organization must comply with all of the following to be eligible for a contract under this section: be a nonprofit organization incorporated in the state that is not owned, controlled, or affiliated with any hospital, health system, or inpatient medical facility; employ or otherwise retain services from sexual assault nurse examiners; maintain, or be in the process of establishing, one or more treatment facilities in the state that are primarily dedicated to providing a diverse range of services to sexual assault survivors, including but not limited to medical forensic services; and provide services for sexual assault survivors, including providing sexual assault care and related trainings, as the overall primary purpose of the organization. The bill provides that a contracting nonprofit organization shall: provide services, including medical forensic services, to sexual assault survivors including adults, persons with disabilities, rural Iowans, and other underserved populations; offer or facilitate trainings to law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, health care professionals, and members of the public regarding sexual assault services and prevention; provide a cooperative team approach regarding sexual assault services and establish an approach that emphasizes the best interests of the sexual assault survivor; involve or consult with persons from various professional disciplines who have training and expertise in addressing special types of sexual assault; and submit an annual report to the attorney general and the general assembly regarding the services offered. The bill provides that a contracting nonprofit organization may seek funding or reimbursement from other sources.