The State Office of Victim Assistance is authorized to pay medical facilities for allowable charges incurred for evidence gathering from the body of the victim following the assault to be used to assist in the prosecution of the offender.
Payment for a routine medicolegal examination of any alleged victim of assault in any degree
is dependent upon the following conditions:
- the crime must have occurred in South Carolina,
- the victim must file a report with law enforcement,
- the medicolegal examination must be performed in accordance with examination protocol standards developed by SLED.
No payment will be made unless forms are completed and submitted with correct documentation within 180 days from the date of the exam.
The medical examination release form and the SOVA billing statement found in the examination kit must be completed and submitted to the State Office of Victim Assistance providing the following:
- name, address and signature of victim
- name and address of the health care facility
- name of law enforcement agency taking report
- Incident location (county and state)
The Protocol Program is not permitted to pay for additional procedures such as:
- surgery, hospital admission, follow-up counseling, x-rays, follow-up examinations, treatment, blood work, alcohol or drug screens, or testing, stat charges, etc.
[Victims of assault who incur charges not covered under the Protocol Program may submit a Victim Compensation application for payment consideration to the Victims’ Compensation Fund.]
The health care provider must submit a copy of the medical examination release form and the billing statement for services rendered. This billing statement must show individual charges for lab work by test, emergency room fee, physician’s fee, etc. Pursuant to SC CODE SEC 16-3-1350; neither the victim nor their insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, may be billed for the medicolegal examination.
The Protocol Program makes payments to health care providers on a monthly basis. When multiple cases are submitted from a single provider for payment, one check is issued and sent with a list showing victims covered by payment.
For further information, please call (803) 734-1900.
