Section 545.55  Treatment and Transfer of Pediatric Sexual Assault Survivors

a)         Transfer of Medically Stable Pediatric Sexual Assault Survivors

1)         If a medically stable acute pediatric sexual assault survivor presents at a transfer hospital or treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer that has a plan approved by the Department requesting a medical forensic examination, the hospital emergency department staff shall contact an approved pediatric health care facility, if one is designated in the hospital's plan. Then, the patient and non-offending parent or legal guardian shall be given the option to transfer to the approved pediatric health care facility during posted hours of operation or a treatment hospital.  (Section 5.3(b) of the Act)

2)         When a qualified medical provider who is qualified to treat pediatric survivors of sexual assault is available, a treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer may offer medical forensic examinations to pediatric acute sexual assault survivors subject to prior approval from the Department. Prior to granting approval, the Department shall:

A)        Confirm the treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer is working toward becoming a treatment hospital; and

B)        Consult with the treatment hospital that receives acute pediatric sexual assault survivors from the treatment hospital with approved pediatric transfer pursuant to the plan approved by the Department. Department approval under the Act and this Section is valid for one year and may be renewed.  (Section 5.3(c) of the Act)

3)         If the patient or non-offending parent or legal guardian chooses to be transferred to an approved pediatric health care facility pursuant to subsection (1) or (2), then the hospital emergency department staff shall contact the approved pediatric health care facility to arrange the transfer. The acute pediatric sexual assault survivor and non-offending parent or legal guardian may be transported by ambulance, law enforcement, or personal vehicle. A medical forensic examination shall be initiated within 90 minutes after the acute sexual assault survivor's arrival at the approved pediatric health care facility following an immediate transfer during posted hours of operation.  (Section 5.3(d) of the Act)

b)         If a pediatric acute sexual assault survivor presents at an approved pediatric health care facility or the facility is contacted by law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services requesting a medical forensic examination for a pediatric acute sexual assault survivor during posted hours of operation, then the medical forensic examination shall be initiated within 90 minutes after the patient's arrival at the facility.  (Section 5.3(e) of the Act)

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 11178, effective July 17, 2026)