SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1622
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Higher Education & Workforce Development, February 24, 2022
Title: An act relating to increasing the availability of sexual assault nurse examiner education in rural and underserved areas.
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, Valdez, Bronoske, Callan, Davis, Goodman, Rule, Simmons, Kloba, Pollet, Maycumber, Jacobsen, Riccelli, Caldier, Chambers and Taylor.
Brief History: Passed House: 1/26/22, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/17/22, 2/24/22 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Washington State University College of Nursing to establish two programs—a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) online and clinical training program, and a regional SANE leader pilot program. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Randall, Chair; Nobles, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Member; Liias and Sefzik.
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background:

A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a nurse specifically trained to provide evidentiary examinations of sexual assault victims.  SANEs provide medical assistance while also assessing, documenting, and preserving evidence for potential prosecutions.  There is no state-issued license or endorsement for a SANE.  The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) grants SANE certification to 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 Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Office of Justice Programs at the United States Department of Justice, maintains the SANE development and operation guide and provides federal grant funds to programs wishing to establish or expand SANE programs.  

 

The only current training provider in the state is the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress in Seattle.
Summary of Bill:

Sexual Assult Nurse Examiner Online and Clinical Training Program.  The Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing must establish a program to increase the availability of qualified SANEs in eastern Washington.  The program must include:

  • online training resources for nurses in rural and underserved communities to get access to at least 40 hours of didactic training;
  • a clinical training site on campus that includes the United States Department of Justice's clinical training requirements; and
  • scholarships for nurses to complete the online or clinical training.

 

WSU College of Nursing must report annually to the appropriate committees of the Legislature on the use and impact of the program.

 

Regional Sexual Assult Nurse Examiner Leader Pilot Program.  A regional SANE pilot program is established.  The regional lead shall:

  • establish the number of active sexual assault nurses in their communities;
  • report on the educational needs in 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.

 

WSU College of Nursing shall develop and train lead SANEs and assist in the development of support mechanisms and role requirements for regional lead SANEs.  An annual report on the impact of the pilot program is due annually, with a final report due no later than January 1, 2026.
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:  We have been working on this bill for four years.  There is only one place in the state where a person can become a SANE.  A SANE is the nurse that does the assessment after a sexual assault occurs.  There are too many barriers to currently becoming a SANE—time needed, getting to Seattle, and childcare.  This legislation is just one of the pieces of the puzzle, to make sure we increase the numbers of SANEs in this state.  As a SANE in Spokane, there is a need for this.  Research has shown certified SANE nurses are more holistic.  Our training needs cannot be met with the current model.  More than one accredited program will better serve nurses and sexual assault survivors.  Close to home training will ensure we have SANEs when they are needed.  This is a workforce bill.  It leverages the robust programs at the WSU College of Nursing to create more SANEs.  WSU is the largest producer of nurses in the State.  If this bill is approved and funded, WSU is ready to assist in providing this training.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Gina Mosbrucker, Prime Sponsor; Shawn Reed, Washington State Nurses Association; Erica Hallock, Washington State Nurses Association; Chris Mulick, Washington State University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.