In 2005, Senate Bill 439 tasked the Department of Health (Department) with forming a sexual assault evidence collection committee (SAEC), composed of representatives from the Department, Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, amongst other members, in order to establish minimum standards for sexual assault evidence collection. In October 2008, minimum standards for sexual assault evidence collection were published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The Department is required to revise these standards at least every three years.Below are links to the minimum standard requirements, kit instructions and the optional paperwork developed by the SAEC.
Act 164 – Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Reporting for Hospitals - Health care facilities may use 1-877-PAHEALTH to notify the Department of Health when sexual assault evidence is not collected by local law enforcement within 72 hours of being notified as required by Act 164 of 2018.
Contact Information:Beth Zakutney717-547-3234bzakutney@pa.gov