Commission on the Standardization of the Collection of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations
Minutes of the Meeting of December 9, 2013
Office of the Chief State's Attorney
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Attendance: Catherine B. Austin for Maureen Platt, Chair, Joy Reho, Marielle Daniels, Michelle Noehren, John Leventhal, M.D., Laura Cordes, Denise Covington, and Jilliam Gilchrest.
The meeting was called to order at 3:02.
The minutes from the previous meeting of September 16, 2013, were reviewed and accepted.
A report was presented by Denise Covington of the Office of Victim Services on the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program. A copy of the statistical analysis of Case Data Calendar year Comparisons 2011-2013 of the Gail Burns-Smith Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Program is attached hereto and made a part of the minutes.
Linda Cimino of the Office of Victim Services was not present so no report was given from the bill paying subcommittee.
A discussion ensued led by John Leventhal, M.D. on the electronic records issue. He presented a copy of the format used by Yale Hospital. It was suggested that the various disciplines represented at the meeting reach out to their colleagues in other states and inquire how they are addressing this issue and resolving it. It was agreed the issue be revisited at the next meeting.
The schedule for meetings for 2014 was agreed upon as March 10, June 9, September 15 and December 8.
The members then discussed the need to fill two vacancies on the board. It was mentioned that one vacancy is that of an obgyn. The members were unsure what discipline was lacking a member and it was suggested the statute be reviewed to determine where the vacancy exists and report back to the next meeting.
Other business was presented by Laura Cordes of CONNSACS (Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services). She distributed the “State of Connecticut Technical Guidelines for Health Care Response to Victims of Sexual Assault” 2013 as well as the “Introduction to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams and Evidence Collection in Connecticut” video, 2013. She asked the video not be downloaded on the internet. Ms. Cordes may be contacted for copies of both the guidelines and video.
The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Catherine B. Austin for Maureen Platt