Sec. 35. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), in order for an individual to practice as a forensic nurse, the individual must meet the following requirements:

(1) Holds an active license as a registered nurse under this article.

Terms Used In Indiana Code 25-23-1-35

  • Board: means the Indiana state board of nursing. See Indiana Code 25-23-1-1
  • forensic nurse: means a registered nurse licensed under section 11 of this chapter who meets the requirements of section 35 of this chapter. See Indiana Code 25-23-1-1.6
  • registered nurse: means a person who holds a valid license issued under this chapter or IC 25-42 and who bears primary responsibility and accountability for nursing practices based on specialized knowledge, judgment, and skill derived from the principles of biological, physical, and behavioral sciences. See Indiana Code 25-23-1-1.1
(2) Completes a biennial forensic nursing educational program that has either been:

(A) identified by the state department of health’s statewide sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) coordinator and administered by the Indiana SANE training project; or

(B) approved by the board and that is substantially equivalent to a program described in clause (A).

(3) Submits to the board a certificate of completion of a program described in subdivision (2).

     (b) The board shall determine the criteria and requirements for biennial continuing education for a forensic nurse, taking into consideration programs approved by the state department of health’s statewide sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) coordinator or provided by the Indiana SANE training project. A forensic nurse shall meet the continuing education requirements set by the board under this subsection in order to continue practicing as a forensic nurse.

     (c) A forensic nurse who is practicing as a forensic nurse on June 30, 2021, is not required to meet the education requirements set forth in subsection (a)(2) until June 30, 2023.

As added by P.L.90-2021, SEC.2.