§15-9B-2. Powers and duties of the commission.

(a) The commission shall facilitate the recruitment and retention of qualified health care providers that are properly qualified to conduct forensic examinations. The commission shall work with county and regional officials to identify areas of greatest need, and develop and implement recruitment and retention programs to help facilitate the effective collection of evidence.

(b) The commission shall authorize minimum training requirements for providers conducting exams and establish a basic standard of care for victims of sexual assault. The commission may adopt necessary and reasonable requirements relating to establishment of a statewide training and forensic examination system, including, but not limited to, developing a data collection system to monitor adherence to established standards, assisting exam providers to receive training and support services, advocating the fair and reasonable reimbursement to exam providers, and facilitating transportation services for victims to get to and from designated exam locations.

(c) The commission shall approve local plans for each area of the state or a county or regional basis. If the commission determines it necessary, it may add or remove a county or portion of a county from a region to assure that all areas of the state are included in an appropriate local plan. Upon the failure of any county or local region to propose a plan, the commission may implement a plan for that county or region.

(d) Once a plan is approved by the commission, it can only be amended or otherwise altered as provided by the rules authorized pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. Designated facilities and organizations providing services shall give the commission 30 days’ advance notice of their intent to withdraw from the plan. If there is a change of circumstances that would require a change in a county or regional plan, the members of the local board and the state commission shall be notified.

(e) The commission may adopt and modify bylaws, policies, and procedures for the conduct of its meetings and the operation of the committee. The commission may propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, that are necessary to implement this article.

(f) The commission shall elect a chair and a vice chair, and any other officers as it considers necessary. Special meetings may be held upon the call of the chair, vice chair, or a majority of the members of the commission. A majority of the members of the commission present in person, by proxy or designation, or by electronic means constitutes a quorum.

(g) Any member appointed to the commission who is a written, designated representative has the full rights of a member, including the right to vote, serve on subcommittees, or perform any other function.

(h) The commission may make recommendations to the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction for legislation related to the commission’s duties and responsibilities, or for research or studies by the Division of Administrative Services, Justice and Community Services Section on topics related to the commission’s duties and responsibilities.

(i) On or before December 1, 2020, the Commission shall develop a written plan to:

(1) Prioritize the testing of kits;

(2) Ensure all kits are tested; and;

(3) Establish a system of tracking kits received which shall be available to victims;

(j) The Commission may suggest additional protocols to the superintendent which it determines might improve the efficacy of testing;

(k) Any reports generated by the Commission shall be submitted to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.