SAFE Commission

​​The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE Commission) Commission was created under West Virginia Code Chapter 15-​§9B-1, §9B-2 and §9B-3 and first met on August 8, 2014.  Its purpose is to establish, manage, and monitor a statewide system to facilitate the timely and efficient collection of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases.  Duties of the Commission  include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Establish mandatory statewide protocols for conducting sexual assault forensic examinations, including designating locations and providers to perform examinations, establishing minimum qualifications and procedures for their performance, and establishing protocols to assure the proper collection of evidence;
   
2. Facilitate the recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare providers who are properly qualified to conduct forensic examinations;
   
3. Authorize minimum training requirements for providers conducting exams and establish a basic standard of care for victims of sexual assault;
   
4. Support county prosecutors in establishing sexual assault forensic examination boards, set forth minimum requirements for local plans developed by county or regional boards, and approve local plans for each area of the state on a county or regional basis; and
   
5. Propose rules for legislative approval.​