Establishing the sexual assault nurse forensic examiner program

Notwithstanding any other law regarding ongoing licensure requirements, such training shall apply toward the continuing nursing education credits for licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, advanced registered nurse practitioners, and advanced practice registered nurses. The bill provides that sexual assault nurse forensic examiner training may be provided in person or online and shall include but is not limited to information concerning the provision of medical forensic services; the use of a sexual abuse evidence collection kit; sexual assault epidemiology, the neurobiology of trauma, drug-facilitated sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and Iowa sexual assault-related laws; and the treatment facility’s sexual assault-related policies and procedures. The bill provides that the sexual assault nurse forensic examiner program, in consultation with qualified medical providers, the Iowa department of public health, and the Iowa coalition against sexual assault, shall create uniform materials that all treatment facilities and pediatric treatment facilities are required to provide to patients and non-offending parents or legal guardians, if applicable, regarding medical forensic examination procedures, laws regarding consent relating to medical forensic services, and the benefits and risks of evidence collection including recommended time frames for evidence collection pursuant to evidence-based research. The materials shall be made available on the department of justice’s internet site to all treatment facilities. The sexual assault nurse forensic examiner program, in consultation with qualified medical providers, the Iowa department of public health, and the Iowa coalition against sexual assault, shall create and update statewide sexual assault nurse forensic examiner protocols, shall provide technical assistance upon request to health care professionals, and shall provide expertise on best practices to health care professionals relating to sexual assault forensic examinations.