Why were we ever charging rape victims anyway?

The NC Legislature passed HB 1342 and it's on the way to Governor Bev Perdue for her signature.

HB 1342 clarifies that the Rape Victims Assistance Program pays for the cost of a forensic medical exam for victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.

It also prohibits a medical facility or medical professional from:
1. bill ing victims, their insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or any other collateral source for the examination
2. seeking reimbursement from the program after one year from the date of the exam.

Further, it eliminates the requirement that a victim report to law enforcement, among other provisions.

Great Bill
It took legislation to stop hospitals from charging victims of rape for evidence collection. It was like asking Wachovia to pay for the fingerprinting of their bank after a robbery.