SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 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. |
As Passed Senate, February 27, 2018
Title: An act relating to increasing the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners.
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).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/18, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/19/18 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 2/27/18, 48-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Rivers, Ranking Member; Bailey, Conway, Fain, Keiser, Mullet and Van De Wege.
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
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 grants SANE certification to registered nurses who complete training that meets the association's 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 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 and publish on their website best practices to create more access to SANEs, by January 1, 2019. When developing the best practices, 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 develop strategies to make SANE training available to nurses across the state without requiring unreasonable travel or expense, also by January 1, 2019. The OCVA must report the strategies to the Governor and appropriate legislative committees. 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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The lack of access to SANEs is a national crisis that particularly hurts rural communities. Victims often need to travel long distances to access care and the gaps in access can lead to a delay in collection of time sensitive evidence that can hinder the prosecution of perpetrators of sexual assault. Every victim should have access to SANEs in their community and this bill is a step in that direction.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Gina McCabe, Prime Sponsor; Zosia Stanley, Washington State Hospital Association; Leah Griffin, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Task Force; Martha Phillips, WA State Nurses Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.