Frequently Asked Questions

A forensic medical examination is an examination performed by trained medical professionals to assess and treat a victim of sexual assault while collecting evidence that may be used in a criminal investigation or court proceeding.

Reimbursement is paid directly to eligible physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories for services provided to victims of rape, sexual assault, or child sexual abuse.

Healthcare providers must meet the following requirements:

• Document one of the following case identifiers:
  • A police complaint number for victims who choose to report the assault to law enforcement.
  • A property held number, Jane Doe number, CPS/CHESSIE number, or another approved case identifier for victims who do not report to law enforcement.
• If law enforcement cannot provide a case number or other identifier, complete the examination at the victim's request and write "Not provided but requested" in the police case identifier field.
• Submit all required documentation, including:
  • A completed and signed SARU SAFE Reimbursement Form (formerly Maryland Department of Health Form #2923), Medical Examination and Report of Alleged Sexual Assault, or Form #4456, Confidential Report of Alleged Child Sexual Assault.
  • The required signatures from the examining clinician. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners may sign in place of the emergency department physician when appropriate.
  • A payment form (CMS-1450, CMS-1500, or an equivalent form) that includes the provider name, address, federal tax identification number, patient's name, date of birth, date of service, and amount due.
  • An itemized bill that includes laboratory or diagnostic tests and medications provided.
• Submit claims within 90 days of the date of service.

Physicians

SARU reimburses physicians for their usual and customary fees:

• Up to $80 for the examination and evidence collection related to an alleged rape or sexual offense.
• Up to $80 per hour for as many as five hours for the initial assessment and evidence collection for alleged child sexual abuse, including services performed by qualified professionals under a physician's supervision.

Hospitals

Hospitals are reimbursed at the rates established by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission for:

• Emergency department services
• Outpatient clinic services
• Inpatient hospital care

Laboratories

Laboratories are reimbursed at the established rates for:

• Evidence-related laboratory testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are reimbursed at the established rates for dispensing HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) medication for eligible victims of sexual assault.

Eligible services may include:

• Emergency department treatment
• Inpatient hospital care
• Follow-up medical testing completed within 90 days of the initial examination
• Pregnancy testing
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
• Diagnostic testing related to the assault
• Laboratory testing needed to collect evidence
• Toxicology testing
• Emergency contraception
• Preventive medications for sexually transmitted infections and tetanus
• Pain and anti-nausea medications
• Other medications directly related to the assault

Yes. A victim may receive a forensic medical examination whether or not they choose to report the assault to law enforcement.

Hospitals may receive reimbursement for forensic examinations that use a property held number or another approved evidence case identifier.

Yes. SARU administers the Pilot Program for Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection for Rape Victims, established by Chapter 431 of the Acts of 2019.

Eligible victims of alleged rape, sexual assault, or child sexual abuse may receive reimbursement for a full course of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) medication and eligible follow-up care to help prevent HIV infection.

For hospital or physician services provided to a child under age 18, providers may use either:

• The SARU SAFE Reimbursement Form - PDF - 508.17 KB (formerly Form #2923), or
• Form #4456.

When requesting reimbursement for physician services, Form #4456 must be completed in full.

Yes. SARU may reimburse medical care provided in Maryland, even if the assault occurred in another state, provided all other reimbursement requirements are met.

Medical care provided outside Maryland is not eligible for reimbursement because providers must be licensed to practice in Maryland.

The patient's signature should be obtained whenever possible.

In rare circumstances, SARU may accept the signature of the SAFE nurse and a witness when the patient's signature cannot be obtained.

Yes. SARU may reimburse treatment for injuries directly related to the assault.

For example, radiology services used to diagnose a fracture caused by the assault may be eligible.

SARU does not reimburse treatment or testing for pre-existing medical conditions.

No. Under COMAR 10.12.02, SARU reimburses only eligible medical and forensic services. Mental health services are not covered through this program.

Yes. Electronic physician signatures are accepted.

For billing questions, email the Sexual Assault Reimbursement Unit at [email protected].