Posted on March 17, 2009
Chapter 292: This chapter clarifies that physician assistants may be sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFEs). Certified sexual assault forensic examiners are trained to provide rape victims with prompt, compassionate, professional treatment, and to ensure the quality of the collection, documentation and preservation of forensic evidence. Although the Department of Health has, properly, historically recognized physician assistants as health care professionals eligible for SAFE certification, pertinent law (Public Health Law § 2805-i) specifically identified only physicians, registered nurses and nurse practitioners as candidates to become SAFEs. Pursuant to this chapter, physician assistants are statutorily recognized as eligible for SAFE certification. Signed by Governor Paterson on July 21, 2008, this chapter became effective immediately. (S.7629/A.10395)
