AZ HB2516

Requires persons taking a child into temporary custody due to exigent circumstances involving suspected sexual abuse or serious physical injury to immediately have the child forensically interviewed by a trained person following an established protocol.

Makes forensic interviews mandatory (rather than optional) in cases where child custody is taken without a court order due to suspected sexual abuse or serious physical injury.

Authorizes the person conducting the custody to also have a medical examination performed, with temporary custody not to exceed twelve hours unless abuse is revealed.

Amends child abuse reporting requirements to explicitly authorize forensic interviews and medical examinations when reports are received by peace officers or child safety authorities.

Clarifies that forensic interviews or medical examinations (or both) may be performed on minors involved in reported abuse or neglect cases.