Maine Payment Resources

Summary of Payment

Billing

Maine Victim’s Compensation Fund directly reimburses hospitals and healthcare providers who perform the gross sexual assault forensic examination for sexual assault. 
Gross Sexual Assault Examination Claim Form
(Only original forms, contained in the forensic kits, may be submitted for reimbursement)

Office of the Attorney General
Victims’ Compensation Board
State House Station #6
Augusta, ME 04333-0006

Maine enacted Public Law 719 (effective November 1, 2000), which addresses Payment for the medical forensic examination for “alleged victims of gross sexual assault”.  The Victims’ Compensation Board promulgated rules specify the requirements with which providers must conform in order for their bills to be eligible for payment.  To be eligible for payment the medical forensic examination must include all services directly related to the gathering of forensic evidence and related testing and treatment for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.  The following must be available and offered:

• Professional/practitioner’s services;
• History;
• Physical examination;
• Collection of specimens;
• Treatment for the prevention of STI;
• Emergency department room, clinic room or office room fee;
• Pelvic examination tray;
• Laboratory testing;
• Pregnancy testing;
• Other laboratory testing required for the purpose of evidentiary examination;
• Medications for:
  1. Pregnancy prevention
  2. STI prophylaxis
  3. One dose of sedative, antidepressant or tranquilizer
  4. Anti-emetic

The victim’s insurance or the patient may be billed for services “outside the scope of” the medical forensic examination. The victim may apply to the Maine Victim’s Compensation Board for reimbursement of “losses outside the scope of the gross sexual assault examination”. For the hospital or practitioner to receive reimbursement for the exam an itemized medical bill with appropriate CPT codes be submitted along with other demographic information (see link) within 60 days of the examination.  There is a statutory maximum payment of $500.00 for the medical forensic examination.

Maine Crime Victims’ Compensation Program – Application

Coordination with healthcare

A Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) is a health care provider who has been specially educated to provide medical and forensic care for a patient who has suffered sexual assault/abuse, trained in the collection of forensic evidence, and to testify in court as an expert or fact witness. Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians may participate in the education.

Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault – Support Centers

Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 (free | private | 24/7)