This bill would establish a task force to review and update curriculum and training of rape crisis center employees or volunteers and to examine the feasibility of providing continuing education and college credits with the completion of training programs. The task force’s scope includes fees and costs associated with certification and licensure for rape crisis centers and professionals.

Currently, the Commonwealth contracts with 17 providers across the state to deliver rape crisis center service. Through contractual obligations, these organizations can be held to high standards, however there is no mechanism to do so with non-contracted individuals and organizations. This legislation is critical to ensure that anyone claiming to be a physician, nurse, social worker, or mental health counselor and providing services to survivors of sexual assault has met minimum training requirements and credentials associated with the title to protect these individuals who are already dealing with the trauma of sexual violence. 