Provider Resources

Certifications

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) certification identifies forensic nurses who have achieved the highest standards in their specialty. All requirements set forth by the International Association of Forensic Nurses must be met before applying for certification. Although certification is not required to practice in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, the IHS encourages registered nurses to seek SANE certification. There is no SANE-equivalent certification for physicians or physician assistants.

• IAFN: SANE-A® and SANE-P®
• AFN: GFN-C and AFN-C (Generalist Forensic Nurse (GFN-C™) and the Advanced Forensic Nurse (AFN-C™)

All health care providers should follow the training requirements outlined in the Indian Health Manual (IHM) Chapter 29, Sexual Assault Policy. Please contact Forensic Healthcare staff if you have questions about training requirements or SANE certification.

IHS Forensic Healthcare LISTSERV

The Forensic Healthcare LISTSERV is operated by the IHS Division of Nursing Services. The list shares IHS response efforts, policy updates, training and funding announcements, and provides technical assistance related to sexual and domestic violence. To join, add your name and email on the IHS Forensic Healthcare LISTSERV signup page.

Forensic Health Resources

• Forensic Healthcare Online Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Created and run by a forensic nurse examiner with more than 20 years in the field, the site is a gateway to professional services, peer-reviewed literature, and free and low-cost education.

Intimate Partner Violence Resources

• A National Protocol for Intimate Partner Violence Medical Forensic Examinations [PDF - 1.9 MB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – safeta.org
• Compendium of State and U.S. Territory Statutes and Policies on Domestic Violence and Health Care (2019) [PDF - 1.8 MB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Futures without Violence
• Mending the Sacred Hoop Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Violence Against Women, Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• Mandatory Reporting of Domestic Violence to Law Enforcement by Health Care Providers: A Guide for Advocates Working to Respond to or Amend Reporting Laws Related to Domestic Violence [PDF - 308 KB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Futures without Violence
• Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men, National Institute of Justice, May 2016 [PDF - 810 KB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 

Sexual Assault Resources

• A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: Adults/Adolescents [PDF - 1.61 MB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (Third Edition, September 2024)
• A National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations - Pediatric Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (April 2016)
• National Training Standards for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners [PDF - 1 MB] Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (June 2006)
• SANE Program Development and Operation Guide Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) (2016)
• National Clinicians' HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  – Phone: 888-448-4911
• CDC STI Treatment Guidelines Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• AIDS Education & Training Center Program, National Coordinating Resource Center Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov