When a sexual assault occurs, medical professionals play a critical role in both providing care and preserving evidence. 

The Crime Victims' Compensation (CVC) Program supports this work by reimbursing providers for the costs of sexual assault exams. These exams ensure that victims receive compassionate care while forensic evidence is collected to assist law enforcement. 

For complete details on reimbursement procedures, eligibility, and required documentation, please refer to the SAER Guidelines.

What is a Sexual Assault Exam

During a sexual assault exam, the medical professional is focused on treatment of the victim and collection of forensic evidence. An exam may include the following:  

  • Obtaining patient’s medical forensic history 
  • Performing head-to-toe exam to assess for trauma 
  • Coordinating treatment of injuries 
  • Documenting biological and physical findings  
  • Collecting evidence from the patient as indicated by history and findings

Reimbursement structure

Sexual assault exams have two distinct components that are billed separately: 

1. Forensic evidence collection

  • Reimbursement up to $1,000 per exam
  • Medical providers submit claims directly to the OAG 

Note: Victims cannot be billed for these forensic costs 

2. Medical care costs 

  • Victims can apply for reimbursement through:
    • Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Compensation (fewer requirements, no reporting needed)
    • CVC Program (requires reporting)
  • Providers employed by or under contract with a SAFE Program can directly apply for reimbursement of medical care provided during the sexual assault exam through the Sexual Assault Exam Reimbursement portal.   

Note: If you're a crime victim looking for information about compensation for your emergency medical care costs, please visit our EMC Compensation page. 

Forensic cost reimbursement

What is covered 

Reasonable costs not exceeding $1,000 for: 

  • Examiner fees
  • Place of service fees
  • Exam fees
  • Sexual assault kit
  • Laboratory procedures
  • Other related charges

What is NOT covered 

  • Forensic sexual assault examination of suspected perpetrators
  • Paternity tests
  • Analysis of clothing, crime scene materials, or objects
  • Forensic interviews
  • Multiple examinations of the same victim for the same crime
  • Follow-up care
  • Travel time
  • Call-out fees 

For detailed information, see the Sexual Assault Reimbursement Guide [PDF].

How medical providers can apply for reimbursement 

CVC reimburses healthcare facilities, SANEs, and sexual assault examiners (medical providers) for the forensic costs of sexual assault exams for both reported and non-reported sexual assaults. 

  1. Register for portal access:
  2. Submit your application:
    • Applications must be submitted within 3 years of the exam date
    • Monitor status electronically through the portal

Law enforcement request forms 

*Not required for exams after September 1, 2023. 

For sexual assault exams that occurred between August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2023, law enforcement agencies must complete the: 

This form documents whether a sexual assault exam was requested and, if not, provides the reasons for declining the request.

Resources for victims 

When caring for sexual assault victims, please inform them about their financial assistance options: 

  • They may be financially responsible for medical care costs (but never forensic costs)
  • They have two reimbursement options:
  1. EMC Compensation - Does not require reporting to law enforcement
  2. CVC - Requires reporting to law enforcement and offers more comprehensive coverage 

Please visit Help Deciding: EMC vs. CVC Applications for more discussion of the differences between the application paths.

Questions?

We’re here to support service providers through the reimbursement process and ensure it’s as smooth as possible.

If you have questions about submitting reimbursement requests, need clarification on required documentation, or want assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact us online
or
You can reach us by phone:
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Toll Free: (800) 983-9933
In Austin: (512) 936-1200