SANE Act of 2025: VA Hospitals Mandated to Provide Forensic Exams, Mental Health Referrals for Sexual Assault Survivors

The SANE Act of 2025 is designed to bolster support for veterans who've experienced sexual assault. It mandates that every VA hospital and urgent care facility across the country must have at least one Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on staff, or another qualified healthcare provider, to perform sexual assault forensic examinations. This ensures that veterans who have experienced sexual assault have access to qualified medical professionals. The bill also requires that these healthcare providers verbally refer survivors to mental health services offered by the VA.

Getting Real with Trauma: VA Steps Up for Assault Survivors

The core of the SANE Act is about making sure veterans who've gone through sexual assault get the specialized care they need, fast. By requiring a SANE, or a similarly qualified professional, at every VA hospital and urgent care facility, the bill directly addresses a critical gap in veteran care. The law defines "sexual assault nurse examiner" and "sexual assault forensic examination" as they are in the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 (34 U.S.C. 40723(a)), ensuring standardization and quality of care.

For a veteran, this means that if they seek care at a VA facility after an assault, they'll be seen by someone specifically trained to handle the medical and emotional complexities of their situation. The mandated verbal referral to VA mental health services is also crucial. It's not just about handing over a pamphlet; it's a direct, personal recommendation to seek further support. If the wait time for these services exceeds 30 days, the bill allows for referrals through Veterans Care Agreements (section 1703A of title 38, United States Code). This is a key provision to ensure that the support isn't just promised, but actually delivered in a timely manner.

No Double Duty: Protecting Patient Care

Importantly, SEC. 2 of the SANE Act includes a safeguard: the new responsibilities for SANEs and other healthcare providers cannot negatively affect their existing patient care duties. This provision is critical. It means the VA can't just pile more work onto already busy staff, potentially compromising care for other veterans. The law aims to improve care for sexual assault survivors without creating unintended consequences for the broader veteran population.

Potential Roadblocks

While the SANE Act has clear benefits, it is important to note a few potential challenges. One potential issue is the availability of qualified SANEs. If there aren't enough trained professionals to fill these roles, VA facilities might struggle to comply. Also, while the bill mandates verbal referrals to mental health services, it doesn't guarantee that veterans will actually pursue those services. Finally, the 30-day wait time threshold for external referrals through Veterans Care Agreements, while helpful, could potentially be a point of friction if not managed efficiently.

Overall, the SANE Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward improving care for veterans who have experienced sexual assault. By guaranteeing access to specialized medical professionals and mandating mental health referrals, the bill aims to provide comprehensive support to those who need it most.