Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2101
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: Concerning the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners.
Sponsors: Representatives McCabe, Orwall, Griffey, Hayes and McDonald.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/18
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
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:
complete 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.
In 2016 the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) was required to study the availability of SANEs throughout the state. Recommendations made by the study included the use of mobile SANE teams, the use of multidisciplinary teams, and remote training opportunities and consultation through electronic means.
Summary of Bill:
The OCVA must develop best practices that local communities may voluntarily use to create mobile SANE teams and multidisciplinary teams to serve sexual assault survivors in local communities. When developing the best practices, the OCVA must consult with:
the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs;
the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys;
the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs;
the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress;
the Washington Association of Counties;
the Association of Washington Cities; and
other organizations deemed appropriate by the OCVA.
The OCVA must also develop strategies to make SANE training available to nurses in all regions of the state without requiring the nurses to travel unreasonable distances or incur unreasonable expenses. When developing the strategies, the OCVA must consult with:
the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress;
the Department of Health;
the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission;
the Washington State Nurses Association; and
other organizations deemed appropriate by the OCVA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.