Beech Tree News Network

FRANKFORT – The Kentucky General Assembly took action to give Kentuckians greater access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) with final passage of House Bill 134. The measure, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer of Morgantown, would establish a statewide SANE coordinator and develop a plan to ensure SANE coverage for all Kentucky hospitals.

“Today, far too many survivors are met with delays, long travel distances, or hospitals that simply do not have a trained sexual assault nurse examiner available,” said Raymer. “When someone comes forward after an assault, time and access matter. House Bill 134 is about access, coordination, and dignity for survivors of sexual assault in Kentucky.” 

 HB 134 is a direct result of the 2025 Regular Session’s House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 20, which required the Legislative Research Commission (LRC), the administrative arm of the General Assembly, to study access to SANEs in emergency care settings.

 HB 134 would require the Kentucky Board of Nursing to create a description, essential duties, and responsibilities of the SANE coordinator position. At a minimum, the SANE coordinator would be required to identify and recruit potential SANEs across the state; organize and facilitate comprehensive SANE training programs; create and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; and increase SANE Program collaboration. The board also would be required to create an operational state registry of SANEs, made accessible from the board’s website by registered SANEs and Kentucky hospitals. The bill also would direct the development of a regional plan so every hospital knows how to access a qualified examiner when a survivor needs one.