H.R. 5203 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, not later than 18 months after enactment, to update Department directives on emergency management of acute sexual assault of a covered veteran (i.e., a veteran exhibiting symptoms at a VA medical facility not later than 72 hours after the assault) and ensure conformity by each medical facility's policies and Department police. Such directives must include (1) updated policies for responding employees; (2) a requirement that each facility director either employ a certified sexual assault forensic examiner (SAFE) clinical provider or sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), refer the veteran pursuant to the community care program (38 U.S.C. 1703) to a local non-Department provider with such a provider, or coordinate alternate care plans; (3) maintenance of unexpired rape kits at facilities employing SAFE or SANE providers; (4) offers of sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy prophylaxes if clinically indicated, with provision of related clinical guidelines; (5) offers of mental health counseling or referrals with care coordination for non-Department providers; and (6) police guidance on notifying local law enforcement while balancing veteran confidentiality and reporting requirements. This section further requires annual training for Veterans Health Administration employees on directive elements (1) through (5), and for Department police on element (6), with training provided in-person at least once every five years, including guided instruction, facility-specific information, and more than printed materials. VISN directors must monitor compliance, oversee deficiencies, and identify needed resources.