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Patient Resources

Forensic Health Care Program 

Mission

We provide timely, compassionate, patient-centered, trauma-informed health care when a patient discloses interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, or other acts of unwanted violence, to our active duty service members, beneficiaries, and DoD civilian employees.

Our Team

Forensic Health Care Program Director
The FHP-D is a provider, with prescription authority, who oversees the program.

Forensic Health Care Program Manager
The FHP-M is a provider who oversees the program and staff.

Forensic Health Care Program Care Coordinator
The FHP-CC is a provider who coordinates follow up care and assists with patient care plan development.

Forensic Health Care Examiner, Adult/Adolescent
FHE-As are specialty-trained providers who perform a medical forensic initial examination.

Forensic Health Care Assistant
FHAs are medically trained personnel who assist the FHE-A, performing non-examination tasks.

Forensic Health Care Program Follow-Up Provider
The FHP-F is a provider who provides follow up-care to forensic health care patients after their initial exam.

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam

The most important aspect of the exam is the patient. Every portion of the exam can be modified or not completed upon the patient’s request. This exam occurs when there is a report of a sexual assault. This exam includes:

Background Information
Patient Consent
Patient History
Assault History
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Toxicology Kit
Physical Exam
Photographs
Forensic Samples

Forensic Exam

Background Information
Patient Consent
Patient History
Abuse History
Physical Exam
Photographs
Forensic Samples

 Forensic Health Care Provider Follow-Up Care

Initial 24-72 hours
- Discuss medical needs
- Review lab results
- Repeat photographs if needed
At 3 and 6 weeks
- Discuss medical needs
- Repeat lab work
At 3 and 6 months
- Discuss medical needs
- Repeat lab work

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit to receiving care?
There is no time limit on receiving medical and behavioral health care. However, there are specific timeframes for the other services we offer.
- Forensic Exam: 7 days (168 hours)
- Legal Drug Facilitated Toxicology Kit: 4 days (96 hours)
- HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: 3 days (72 hours)
- Emergency Contraception Options: 5 days (120 hours)
What if the patient only want to be tested for STIs and receive medications?
There are a few options to consider:
- If the patient does not wish to have a forensic exam but would like to receive Victim Advocate support and Forensic Health Care follow-up services, they can contact the FHP-CC.
- If the patient does not want a SAFE exam performed, does not wish to report the assault, and declines Victim Advocate and Forensic Health Care follow-up services, they may choose to see their Primary Care Provider or visit the Army Public Health Nursing Walk-in STI Clinic.
Will the patient's command be notified if they present to the Emergency Department for a forensic exam?
The patient will be offered the support of a Victim Advocate, who will review available reporting options. The patients command will only be notified if Unrestricted Reporting is chosen.
Who is eligible to receive Forensic Medical Care?
Our services are available to all military branches, their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians.
Who is eligible to receive follow-up care after an initial forensic exam?
At this time, only active duty service members and their dependents assigned to a Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center clinic are eligible for medical follow up. Only active duty service members are eligible for behavioral health follow-up at their assigned behavioral health clinic. The Forensic Health Provider can assist dependents with referrals for behavioral health services.
Will the exam determine if a substance was used to alter the patient's mental status?
We offer a Legal Drug-Facilitated Toxicology Kit, with the following limitations.
• The assault must have occurred within the past 96 hours (4 days)
• The patient must be filing an Unrestricted Report
Is the Forensic Healthcare Program the same as SHARP?
No. While we work closely with SHARP to support patients, the Forensic Health Program (FHP) provides medical-forensic care, such as exams, evidence collection, and medical follow-up. SHARP focuses on advocacy, reporting options, and command support.

Contact Us

Hours

Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Forensic Health Care Examiners available for care through the Emergency Department 24/7

Phone

Program Manager 254-553-8745
Care Coordinator 254-553-1377
Email: dha.cavazos.darnall-amc.mbx.fhp@health.mil

Location

Emergency Department
590 Medical Center Road
Building 36065
Fort Cavazos, Texas 76544

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