SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2711

As of February 27, 2016

Title: An act relating to increasing the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners.

Brief Description: Increasing the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives McCabe, Walsh, Orwall, Cody, McBride, Caldier, Kilduff, Wylie, Senn, Smith, Gregerson, Tarleton, Ormsby, Pollet and Goodman).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/16, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Health Care: 2/25/16, 2/25/16 [DP-WM].

Ways & Means: 2/29/16.

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Cleveland, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bailey, Brown, Conway, Frockt, Jayapal, Keiser, Parlette and Rivers.

Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)

Staff: Julie Murray (786-7711)

Background: A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse specially trained to provide evidentiary examinations of victims of sexual assaults. Although there is no state-issued license or endorsement for a SANE, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) grants SANE certification to registered nurses who:

• Ÿcomplete training that meets the IAFN SANE Education Guidelines;

• meet clinical practice requirements;

• pass an examination; and

• comply with ongoing training requirements.

The only facility that offers SANE training in the state is Harborview Medical Center.

Summary of Bill: The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) must study the availability of SANEs throughout the state. The study must:

• Ÿidentify areas of the state that have an adequate number of SANEs;

• identify areas of the state that have an inadequate number of SANEs;

• develop a list of available resources for facilities in need of SANEs or SANE training; and

• identify strategies for increasing the availability of SANEs in under-served areas.

When identifying strategies for increasing the availability of SANEs, the OCVA must consider remote training or remote consultation via electronic means, mobile teams of SANEs, costs and reimbursement rates for SANEs, and funding options.

When performing the study, the OCVA must consult with experts on sexual assault victims' advocacy, experts on sexual assault investigation, and providers, including:

• Ÿthe Department of Health;

• the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs;

• the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs;

• the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys;

• the Washington State Hospital Association;

• the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress;

• the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission; and

• the Washington State Nurses Association.

The OCVA must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by December 1, 2016.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Health Care): PRO: This bill came out of a task force on sexual assault enforcement. This would provide skilled, certified nurses, and there are a shortage of these professionals in rural hospitals. It is a victim-centered approach.

Persons Testifying (Health Care): PRO: Rep. McCabe, Prime Sponsor; Rep. Orwall, Sponsor.

Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.