(A) The program coordinates and administers child abuse medical service resources for the State, assisting and collaborating with children's advocacy centers and state agencies charged with the investigation, assessment, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse or neglect for children in the State.

(B) The program shall develop, support, and maintain a consistent quality standard of care and practice for the following services intrinsic to the assessment of children with suspected abuse or neglect:

(1) forensic medical examinations, assessments, and diagnoses;

(2) medical consultations;

(3) participation in multidisciplinary team case conferences and reviews; and

(4) medical expert witness services.

(C) The program also shall develop, support, and maintain:

(1) guidelines for the educational, clinical training, and professional development requirements of health care providers participating in the forensic medical assessment of children who are suspected victims of child abuse or neglect;

(2) a standardized clinical assessment tool to report the findings of the forensic medical assessment; and

(3) guidelines for the South Carolina Department of Social Services and law enforcement agencies on when to obtain a forensic medical assessment.

(D) The program shall collect and manage data from child abuse health care providers participating in the program, children's advocacy centers, and children's hospitals for the purposes of establishing quality assurance programs, research, and public policy guidance.

HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 153 (H.4347), Section 1, eff April 7, 2014.