South Dakota § 22-22-26.5 - Forensic medical examination--Definitions.

§ 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.

Source: SL 2025, ch 94, § 5; SL 2026, ch 105, § 5.