FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2101

C 88 L 18

Synopsis as Enacted

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

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives McCabe, Orwall, Griffey, Hayes and McDonald).

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care

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, remote training opportunities, and consultation through electronic means.

Summary:

The OCVA must develop best practices that local communities may voluntarily use to create more access to sexual assault nurse examiners, including, but not limited to, partnerships to serve multiple facilities, 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 State Hospital Association;

• the Washington Association of Counties;

• the Association of Washington Cities; and

• other organizations deemed appropriate by the OCVA.

The OCVA must complete the best practices no later than January 1, 2019, and publish them on its website.

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;

• the Washington State Hospital Association; and

• other organizations deemed appropriate by the OCVA.

The OCVA must report the strategies to the Governor and the appropriate committees of the Legislature no later than January 1, 2019.

Votes on Final Passage: