What is the Forensic Rape Examination (“FRE”) Direct Payment Program?
Effective April 1, 2005, an amendment to the New York State Executive Law (§631.13) provides for direct reimbursement by the Crime Victims Board (CVB) to providers of forensic sexual assault examination services. The law requires the medical provider to explain the victim’s billing choices to them. When a victim chooses to have the provider bill CVB directly for the forensic examination and its related charges, the provider shall use the Direct Reimbursement Program. Direct reimbursement from CVB to providers of forensic examination services ensures that a sexual assault survivor will not have to pay for her/his own forensic examination, an added stressor after a highly traumatic event. The forensic examination reimbursement fee is currently the amount of itemized charges not exceeding $800, and is intended to cover the forensic examiner’s services, facility costs directly related to the forensic examination including the costs of equipment, materials and supplies required for the gath
