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City Council approves higher reimbursements for sexual‑assault forensic exams and directs steps to strengthen SART services
Summary
After a public hearing, the Los Angeles City Council voted to raise reimbursement for forensic sexual‑assault examinations and to require steps to direct victims to specialized Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) centers, with councilmembers and law‑enforcement and medical witnesses saying the change will improve evidence collection and prosecution
The Los Angeles City Council on April 25 voted to increase reimbursement for forensic sexual‑assault examinations and to seek procedures ensuring victims are taken to Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) centers, council members said.
Speakers at a public hearing told the council SART centers use specialized forensic techniques and trained examiners that produce evidence often missing from general emergency‑room care. "Hospitals can no longer carry the burden for what is considered 'a local government obligation,'" said Dr. Robert Splawn, a medical practitioner who described hospital SART work and the limits of private funding.
The council…
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