RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF FORENSIC NURSE EXAMINERS.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. K. Williams

Sens. Hansen, Hoffner, Huxtable, Richardson, Wilson; Reps. Heffernan, Lambert, Ross Levin

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 133

RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF FORENSIC NURSE EXAMINERS.

WHEREAS, a Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE), is a healthcare professional who has completed advanced education and clinical training to provide comprehensive health care and forensic services to survivors of sexual assault; and

WHEREAS, these programs offer critical services including forensic evidence collection, testing, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV prevention, human trafficking screenings and resources, and pregnancy prevention, while also coordinating with community-based advocacy, law enforcement, and medical partners; and

WHEREAS, in addition to medical care, forensic nurses provide emotional support, counseling, and referrals to critical resources such as crisis centers, advocacy services, and safe housing options, offering a full continuum of care for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child or elder abuse; and

WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs, which are now transitioning into FNE programs due to their expanded role, originated in the United States in the 1970s when nurses recognized that survivors of sexual assault were not receiving equitable, trauma-informed care compared to other patients, leading to the establishment of specialized services to address those gaps; and

WHEREAS, the specialty services being provided by FNE programs have expanded to provide care and services, in addition to sexual assault, to include domestic violence, child or elder abuse and neglect, and other violent crimes; and

WHEREAS, Delaware established comprehensive FNE programs in hospital systems including ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, Beebe Healthcare, TidalHealth Nanticoke, and Nemours beginning in 1996, ensuring that survivors of sexual assault and other survivors receive the highest standards of medical and forensic care; and

WHEREAS, these systems accept transfers and referrals from other healthcare providers, the community, and from law enforcement for services and care; and

WHEREAS, survivors of sexual assault often face additional health concerns such as sexually transmitted infections, HIV exposure, and pregnancy risk, and FNE programs provide timely, patient-centered responses to address these needs; and

WHEREAS, FNE professionals provide holistic, trauma-informed care that focuses on both the immediate and long-term physical and emotional consequences of sexual violence victimization; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses serve as a vital link between the healthcare and justice systems, ensuring that survivors’ medical needs are met while maintaining the integrity of forensic evidence and supporting the legal process; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses are specially trained to conduct careful medical-forensic examinations, collect and document evidence, and provide expert testimony that strengthens the legal process and reduces the likelihood of evidence mishandling; and

WHEREAS, in 2025 Delaware’s FNE programs completed 3,437 assessments, and identified 50 human trafficking survivors; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for more services and supports in Delaware to refer identified survivors of human trafficking and other crimes throughout the state, including housing; and

WHEREAS, in addition to financial support from their hospitals, FNE programs often rely on federal, state, and local grants to help sustain these programs; and

WHEREAS, with recent federal funding cuts, the preservation and expansion of FNE programs are essential to ensuring that survivors of sexual violence and other violent crimes continue to receive comprehensive, compassionate, and just care.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the State recognizes the indispensable role of FNE programs in delivering trauma-informed healthcare, supporting survivors, and strengthening the criminal justice system.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution recognizes recognizes the indispensable role of FNE programs in delivering trauma-informed healthcare, supporting survivors, and strengthening the criminal justice system.

Author: Senator Poore