SAFE-CARE Network

SAFE-CARE Network

The SAFE-CARE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination-Child Abuse Resource and Education) Network was founded in 1989. The Network provides statewide training to physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the medical evaluation of alleged victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. In turn, Network members provide community and professional education regarding child maltreatment.

The primary objective of the SAFE-CARE Network is to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical evaluations to children who may have been abused or neglected. The Network includes pediatricians, family practice physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Members encompass a wide range of experience, from urban to rural, small private practice to large children’s hospitals. Each plays a valuable role in providing a coordinated multidisciplinary response to child maltreatment in Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services administers the SAFE-CARE program and provides oversight. The SAFE-CARE Advisory Council provides guidance regarding services, education, networking, quality assurance, and consultation. Advisory Council members include professionals from nursing, medicine, social work, and child advocacy centers.

Requirements for New SAFE-CARE Provider Applicants:

• Physician (MD or DO), Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant;
• Current Missouri license without restrictions;
• Successful completion of SAFE-CARE Network background screening; and
• Successful completion of SAFE-CARE Medical Provider Training

The SAFE Payment Program

The SAFE payment program is located at the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). Effective July 1, 2008, DPS became the first payer for adult and child sexual assault forensic examination charges. This includes SAFE exams for suspected child sexual abuse. Per Missouri Revised Statute 595.220, the victim is not to be billed for the forensic examination.

Due to revisions of the statute in 2009, some SAFE program billing procedures have changed. The following changes became effective on August 28, 2009:

• Invoices must be submitted within 90 days of the exam
• Medical providers are no longer required to send a notice of the exam to the county prosecutor
• The program covers “reasonable charges of the forensic examination”
• The statute language recognizes that exam techniques are different for adults and children

The SAFE-CARE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam-Child Abuse Resource and Education) Medical Examination form and the SAFE Program Report form have been updated to reflect these changes.

SAFE payment program information is available on the DPS website.

If you have questions about billing for SAFE exams, please contact the Department of Public Safety at (573) 526-6006.