Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
College & Workforce Development Committee
HB 1622
Brief Description: Increasing the availability of sexual assault nurse examiner education in rural and underserved areas.
Sponsors: Representatives Mosbrucker, Orwall, Duerr, Chase, Graham, Wicks, Johnson, J., Walen and Valdez.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Washington State University College of Nursing to establish two programs:  (1) a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) online and clinical training program; and (2) a regional SANE leader pilot program. 
Hearing Date:
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:

A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse specifically trained to provide evidentiary examinations of sexual assault victims.  In addition to other services, SANEs provide medical assistance while also assessing, documenting, and preserving evidence for potential prosecutions.  The SANEs conduct forensic examinations where sexual assault evidence kits are collected.   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 entity that offers SANE training in the state is Harborview Medical Center.
Summary of Bill:

Online and Clinical Training Program.

The Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing must establish a SANE training program that has three elements: (1) online training to provide nurses in rural and underserved communities access to at least 40 hours of didactic training; (2) a clinical training site at WSU College of Nursing with clinical training requirements established by the United State's Department of Justice; and (3) scholarships for nurses to complete the training.  The WSU College of Nursing must submit annual reports to the Legislature on the use and impact of the online and clinical training.

 

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 develop and train lead SANEs and assist in the development of support mechanisms and role requirements for regional lead SANEs.  Regional lead SANEs participating in the program must:

  • establish the number of SANEs in their communities;
  • report on the educational needs of their communities;
  • produce recommendations on how to best increase the number of SANEs in their communities; and
  • develop community-based action plans for SANE recruitment.

 

The WSU College of Nursing must submit annual reports to the Legislature on the impact of the pilot program with a final report due January 1, 2026.  The regional SANE pilot program expires July 1, 2026. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 4, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.