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Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

Preventing HIV Infection for Rape Victims

The Pilot Program for Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection for Rape Victims was established by Chapter 431 of the Acts of 2019 - PDF - 105.01 KB.

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

The Role of the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy administers the Pilot Program for Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection for Rape Victims, which became effective on October 1, 2019.

Under the program, eligible physicians, qualified healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmacies may receive reimbursement from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund for providing a full course of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) medication and related follow-up care to help prevent HIV infection.

State law limits total reimbursements under the program to $750,000 per year.

Reimbursement Requirements

The Office reimburses eligible nPEP treatment and follow-up care when a victim is at risk of contracting HIV as a result of a sexual assault.

To determine eligibility, the Office follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, including:

  • The victim is at risk of HIV exposure as a result of the sexual assault.
  • nPEP treatment begins within 72 hours of the assault.
  • Follow-up care is provided according to CDC recommendations, including visits approximately 4 to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the assault, when appropriate.

The SARU SAFE Reimbursement Form must be used for reimbursement for sexual assault forensic exams and related follow-up care. 

Download Brochures and Forms

Medication Access

The Office's Victim Services Unit partners with Altruix, a Maryland-based pharmacy, to provide nPEP medication when a hospital cannot dispense the full 28-day course.

Altruix can deliver medication by mail or courier.

Because nPEP treatment must begin within 72 hours of the assault, hospitals are encouraged to provide patients with at least 3 to 7 days of medication whenever possible. This helps prevent interruptions in treatment during weekends, holidays, or other delays that could affect mail or courier delivery. Altruix can provide the remaining medication to complete the prescribed course.