SB 491 Summary

• Creates the Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act requiring hospitals and health care facilities to provide rape victims with accurate information about emergency contraception and the option to receive it immediately.

• Directs the State Department of Health to produce and distribute medically accurate informational materials about emergency contraception to all hospitals and health care facilities providing care to rape victims.

• Establishes a standard of care requiring facilities to provide written and oral information about emergency contraception, inform victims of their options, and provide the complete regimen immediately or refer to another facility if subject to moral prohibitions.

• Requires the Department of Health to investigate complaints of noncompliance and impose administrative fines up to $5,000 per incidence of noncompliance.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2011, with the State Board of Health authorized to promulgate necessary implementing rules.