FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2016) — The Kentucky Claims Commission has processed 100 percent of the payable cases for sexual assault forensic exams. This effectively puts an end to the backlog for payments to healthcare providers for forensic exams.
“Cleaning out the backlog and continuing to provide this invaluable service while saving taxpayer dollars is the hallmark of the reorganization plan set forth by Gov. Bevin and implemented by our Commission members,” said Brian Richmond, executive director of the Kentucky Claims Commission.
Gov. Bevin entered an Executive Order in August to create the Kentucky Claims Commission by combining what were the separate Crime Victims’ Compensation Board, Board of Tax Appeals and Kentucky Board of Claims. The reorganization of the original three agencies created efficiencies resulting in a savings of over $350,000 annually.
This helps to further reinforce Kentucky’s commitment to provide crime victims with sexual assault forensic examinations in healthcare facilities across to the state.
“I am extremely impressed with the speed of processing the backlog of claims and very gratified and pleased on behalf of the victims of sexual assault,” said Eileen Recktenwald, executive director of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs.
The new claims organization further reinforces SB 63, the SAFE Act of 2016, where hospitals are encouraged to have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner on call to collect evidence and provide medical care for victims of sexual assault. Reimbursing health care providers for crisis response has been critical to the success of this measure. It also gives victims the assurance that they will be treated at medical facilities across the state.
“I was pleased to hear the great news that the sexual assault forensic exams have been processed and commend the staff at the forensic lab for their hard work,” said Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville. “I am very pleased that we were able to pass my legislation to put policies and procedures in place to make this possible.”
“Ensuring Kentucky’s crime victims are protected has always been a top priority of mine,” said Rep. Donna Mayfield, R-Winchester. “Through this process, the Kentucky Claims Commission has effectively streamlined government, and provided payments that are long overdue. I commend Gov. Bevin and the commission for their expeditious work to clear the backlog.”
This announcement is another example of how Gov. Bevin’s Red Tape Reduction initiative is helping Kentuckians and the agencies tasked to serve the Commonwealth.
Learn more at RedTapeReduction.com.
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