FL H0785

Expands the definition of "crime" for victim assistance purposes to include intentional lewd or lascivious touching of persons aged 16 or 17 years without consent that directly results in psychiatric or psychological injury.

Mental injury to minors under 18 resulting from child abuse must be verified by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician certified as an expert witness to qualify for assistance.

Increases the maximum reimbursement amount for initial forensic physical examinations of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious offense victims from $500 to $1,000 per violation.

Specifies that medical providers may include examiners qualified under chapter 464 (nurses), chapter 458 (allopathic physicians), or chapter 459 (osteopathic physicians).

Takes effect July 1, 2019.