Regulation .04 Scope and Standards of Practice.
Regulation .04 Scope and Standards of Practice.LinkCopy Citation
A.
An RN-FNE may perform the following tasks and functions with respect to the age group for which the RN-FNE is certified under Regulation .03 of this chapter:
(1)
Perform forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with physical, sexual, or domestic assaults, whether chronic or acute;
(2)
Before the forensic evidentiary examination, obtain consent from the individual being examined, from the parent or guardian of a minor individual, or from the proper authority for photographing and evidence collection;
(3)
Prepare and document the assault history interview;
(4)
Perform the forensic evidentiary physical assessment, which may include use of an ALS;
(5)
Complete the physical evidence kit provided by law enforcement;
(6)
Gather, preserve, handle, document, and label forensic evidence, including but not limited to:
(a)
Labeling evidence collection containers with the patient's identifying data per local jurisdiction requirements;
(b)
Placing evidence in the evidence collection container and sealing the container;
(c)
Signing the evidence collection container as the collector of the evidence;
(d)
Taking photographs; and
(e)
Obtaining swabs, smears, and hair and body fluid samples;
(7)
Maintain the chain of custody;
(8)
Provide immediate health interventions using clinical practice guidelines;
(9)
Obtain consultations and make referrals to health care personnel and community agencies;
(10)
Provide immediate crisis intervention at the time of the examination;
(11)
Provide discharge instructions;
(12)
Participate in forensic proceedings including courtroom testimony;
(13)
Interface with law enforcement officials, crime labs, and State attorney's offices; and
(14)
Assist the licensed physician in performing a forensic evidentiary examination.
B.
Clinical Practice Guidelines. An RN-FNE may practice only in a clinical setting in which clinical policy and practice guidelines:
(1)
Have been approved by the facility's medical and nursing departments;
(2)
Designate the availability of qualified physician resources;
(3)
Identify the department in which an RN-FNE shall function; and
(4)
Designate a program coordinator who has experience in forensic evidentiary examinations to administer the RN-FNE training program.
C.
The program coordinator:
(1)
Is responsible for obtaining Board approval of the curriculum before conducting a training program;
(2)
Has responsibility for oversight and administration of the facility’s RN-FNE training program and the practice of the facility’s RN-FNEs;
(3)
Verifies the qualifications and certifications of any RN-FNE practicing in the facility;
(4)
Administers and manages the RN-FNE practice;
(5)
Approves practice protocols and standards of care for RN-FNE practice;
(6)
Shall develop a peer review process that includes, but is not limited to:
(a)
Coordinating the peer review of cases;
(b)
Ensuring that the peer review is consistent with the standardized data collection process;
(c)
Ensuring that a peer reviewer meets the qualifications in Regulation .05 of this chapter; and
(d)
Using the standardized form for peer review that is required by the Board;
(7)
Interfaces with law enforcement, the State's attorney, and community resource groups;
(8)
Implements the facility's Board-approved RN-FNE curricula; and
(9)
Facilitates reimbursement for RN-FNE services by cooperating with the facility's billing department and interacting with the State reimbursement system.
D.
An RN-FNE shall comply with all State and federal statutes and regulations related to the RN-FNE practice.
E.
An RN-FNE shall maintain medical records in accordance with Health-General Article, Title 4, Subtitle 4, Annotated Code of Maryland.