THESE GUIDELINES, WHICH WERE ESTABLISHED FOR HOSPITALS IN CHICAGO, ARE INTENDED FOR EMERGENCY ROOM PERSONNEL AND FOR MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES STAFF MEMBERS. HOSPITALS MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT SUSPECTED CASES TO THE POLICE, AND IF JUVENILES HAVE BEEN MOLESTED BY A PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR WELFARE, THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES MUST ALSO BE NOTIFIED. THE EXAMINATION OF AND CONSULTATION WITH THE VICTIM MUST TAKE PLACE IN A PRIVATE SETTING, AND A STAFF MEMBER SHOULD REMAIN DURING POLICE INTERVIEWS IF THE VICTIM SO WISHES. ALSO, PERSONNEL ARE DIRECTED TO PROVIDE SYMPATHETIC COUNSEL TO THE VICTIM AND ANY ACCOMPANYING PERSONS, AND ANY COMMENTS WHICH MIGHT INCREASE THE VICTIM'S ANXIETY ARE TO BE AVOIDED. AN IMMEDIATE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY EXAMINATION BY A GYNECOLOGIST, WHO IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT FOR VENEREAL DISEASE AND PREGNANCY AT THE VICTIM'S REQUEST. GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND FOR MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP CARE ARE PROVIDED. INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE ARE RELEASED BY THE HOSPITAL ONLY UPON WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PATIENT OR UPON RECEIPT OF A SUBPOENA OR COURT ORDER. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GATHERING OF EVIDENCE ARE MADE, AND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDING THE NAMES OF ALL PERSONS HANDLING THE EVIDENCE ARE PROVIDED. WELL DETAILED MEDICAL RECORDS ARE SUGGESTED WHICH CAN ASSIST STAFF MEMBERS IN RECALLING AN INCIDENT IF THEY ARE CALLED TO TESTIFY IN COURT. FINALLY, PATIENTS ARE TO BE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER HOSPITALS ONLY IF THE RECEIVING HOSPITAL CAN NOT PROVIDE APPROPRIATE CARE. IN APPENDIXES, SECTIONS FROM LAWS WHICH CONCERN THE HANDLING OF RAPE VICTIMS AND A SAMPLE MEDICAL REPORT FOR CASES OF SUSPECTED SEXUAL ASSAULTS ARE PROVIDED.