Bill To Expand Rape Exam Access On Missouri Governor's Desk

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COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri hospitals would be required to provide sexual assault exams whenever needed under a bill that Gov. Mike Parson is considering signing into law.

Fewer than 30 nurses are certified to perform the exams in the state. Sen. Jill Schupp says that means some rape victims are turned away from hospitals or have to be driven hours away to get an exam. A bill she worked on would create a program through which specialists could walk uncertified nurses through sexual assault exams via videoconferencing.

A spokeswoman for the governor says the bill is still under review.

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