Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

College & Workforce Development Committee

HB 1942

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Increasing the availability of sexual assault nurse examiner education in rural and underserved areas.

Sponsors: Representatives Mosbrucker, Wylie, Cody, Smith, Dye, Van Werven and Graham.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing to establish a program to provide nurses with sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) online and clinical training.

  • Requires WSU College of Nursing to establish a regional SANE leader pilot program to gather information and develop recommendations to increase the number of SANEs in the community.

Hearing Date: 2/19/19

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse specially trained to provide evidentiary examinations of sexual assault victims. 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:

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

Summary of Bill:

Online and Clinical Training Program.

Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing must establish a program to increase the availability of qualified SANEs in eastern Washington. The program must include both online and clinical training. The online training resource must provide access to at least 40 hours of didactic training for nurses in rural and underserved communities. The clinical training site must train nurses in the United States Department of Justice's clinical training requirements. In addition, the program must provide scholarships for nurses to complete one or both of the trainings. The WSU College of Nursing must submit annual reports to the Legislature on the use and impact of the online and clinical trainings.

Regional Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Leader Pilot Program.

The WSU College of Nursing must establish a regional SANE leader pilot program. The WSU College of Nursing must: (1) develop and train lead SANEs; and (2) assist in the development of support mechanisms and role requirements for regional lead SANEs. Participating regional lead SANEs must do the following:

The WSU College of Nursing must submit annual reports to the Legislature on the impact of the pilot program with a final report due no later than January 1, 2023. The pilot program expires July 1, 2023.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2019.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.