North Dakota Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) Best Practice Guidelines

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of the patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse. The role of a SANE includes taking a history from the victim for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of health care concerns; conducting a complete physical assessment; performing a thorough genital exam; collecting and documenting any forensic evidence; providing appropriate information and referrals; working with the victim advocate and other SART members to assure coordinated service; and providing courtroom testimony when needed.

The mission of the State SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Coordinator office is to ensure the SANEs of North Dakota respond to all victims of sexual assault holistically and in a non-judgmental manner. Also to ensure all SANEs provide honest, patient-centered care that includes, competently collecting evidence with sensitivity, no matter the race, creed, culture, or sex of the patient.