H.R. 602 — SANE Act of 2025

This section requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to employ, at each Department hospital and urgent care facility, (1) at least one sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE); or (2) if unable to employ a SANE, a health care provider qualified to conduct a sexual assault forensic examination. The section further requires Department health care providers, after examining an individual for sexual assault, to verbally refer the individual to mental health care services furnished by the Secretary in a Department hospital or—pursuant to a Veterans Care Agreement under 38 U.S.C. §1703A if the wait time exceeds 30 days—through community providers. In implementing these requirements, the Secretary must ensure no reduction in or negative effect on other patient care responsibilities of Department employees. The section defines SANE and sexual assault forensic examination by reference to 34 U.S.C. §40723(a).