HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2711

As Reported by House Committee On:

Health Care & Wellness

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

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

Sponsors: Representatives McCabe, Walsh, Orwall, Cody, McBride, Caldier, Kilduff, Wylie, Senn, Smith, Gregerson, Tarleton, Ormsby, Pollet and Goodman.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/27/16, 1/29/16 [DPS].

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Jinkins, Johnson, Moeller, Robinson, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.

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.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

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

• identify 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:

• the 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.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill:

• changes the entity that must conduct the study from the Department of Health (DOH) to the OCVA;

• requires the study to consider costs and reimbursement rates for SANEs; and

• adds the following to the list of stakeholders with whom the OCVA must consult: the DOH and the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Sexual assault nurse examiners make sure evidence is processed professionally and legally. They have specialized training, which helps the prosecution of sexual assault cases and makes the streets safer. There is currently a shortage of SANEs. This bill is headed in the right direction and works hand-in-hand with efforts to reduce the backlog of sexual assault examination kits. The OCVA should be the entity that performs the study. One of the issues that should be examined is the costs of performing the examinations to the hospitals. The Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress should be added to the list of stakeholders.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative McCabe, prime sponsor; and Jim Justin, University of Washington Medicine.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.