1. A sexual assault complainant should be considered by a physician to be a priority complainant, regardless of whether additional physical injuries are evident.
2. Whenever practicable, provide a private area, such as a private treatment room, in which the complainant can await both intake and treatment.
3. Consent should be obtained from the complainant prior to the beginning of the exam and the appropriate consent forms signed. Where the complainant is a child, consent should be obtained from and signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. If the parent is not available or unwilling to provide consent, then the legal authority authorized to provide such consent must give consent and sign the consent form. Normally, the police will have obtained the requisite consent and will have had the form signed prior to coming to the hospital but the medical examiner should still ensure consent is provided.
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