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 an incident report with the 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.
The medical release form 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 reported to
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, drug screens, or
- testing
- stat charges, etc.
[Victims of assault who incur charges not covered under the Protocol Program may submit a claim for payment consideration to the Victims’ Compensation Fund.]
The health care provider must submit a copy of the protocol and itemized billing statement for services rendered. This billing statement must show individual charges for lab work by test, emergency room fee, physician’s fee, etc. 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.
*If siblings are examined, a copy of the incident report is required to show each as a victim.
For further information, please call (803) 734-1900
