CFTC Forensic Documentation & Evidence Collection Flashcards

In forensic trauma practice, 'chain of custody' refers to:

Answer: The chronological documentation tracking evidence from collection to court

Chain of custody is the documented, unbroken trail of evidence handling that ensures its integrity and admissibility in court.

When collecting biological evidence from a sexual assault survivor, the forensic clinician should FIRST:

Answer: Obtain informed consent and explain the examination process

Informed consent is an ethical and legal prerequisite that must be obtained before any forensic examination or evidence collection.

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of colposcopy in sexual assault forensic examinations?

Answer: To magnify and document anogenital injuries that may be invisible to the naked eye

Colposcopy provides magnification and photographic documentation of micro-tears and injuries critical for forensic evidence.

A SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) document contains findings described as 'consistent with' the reported assault. This phrasing means:

Answer: The findings are not inconsistent with the reported history but cannot prove assault

'Consistent with' is precise forensic language indicating findings are compatible with the reported history without claiming absolute certainty.

Which type of documentation is MOST critical for preserving the forensic value of a survivor's verbal account?

Answer: Using the survivor's own words in quotation marks

Direct quotes preserve the evidentiary value of spontaneous disclosures and prevent challenges to interpretation in court.

Under HIPAA, forensic medical records may be released to law enforcement WITHOUT patient authorization when:

Answer: Required by a court order, warrant, or subpoena

HIPAA permits disclosure of protected health information to law enforcement only under specific legal processes including court orders and subpoenas.