.02 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Alternate light source (ALS)” means equipment that produces visible and invisible light at various wave lengths to enhance the visualization of evidence.

(2) "Board" means the Board of Nursing.

(3) "Chain of custody" means a written list identifying, without interruption or lapse, every individual having control or possession of specified items or evidence.

(4) "Chaperone" means an individual who does not perform any part of the forensic examination but is present during the course of that examination.

(5) “Clinical preceptor” means an RN-FNE educator or physician who has credentials and experience in forensic examinations.

(6) "Education" means:

(a) Giving presentations, including mentored clinical presentations;

(b) Attending conferences or seminars;

(c) Completing accredited professional computerized or periodical learning modules; and

(d) Participating in the facility evaluation or audit process.

(7) “FNE program” means a facility authorized by the Maryland Department of Health to provide forensic nursing services.

(8) “Forensic evidentiary examination” means an examination for the purpose of gathering, labeling, preserving, and handling evidence that includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Photographic and written descriptive documentation of the findings;

(b) A general health and assault history interview; and

(c) A physical assessment which may include, but is not limited to:

(i) Skin surface examination;

(ii) Oral examination;

(iii) Genital examination;

(iv) Anal examination; and

(v) Speculum vaginal examination.

(9) “Gynecological Urological teaching associate (GUTA)” means an adult who is trained to teach techniques for performing gender-specific physical examination to health care trainees, using self as a demonstration and practice model with emphasis on teaching from the patient perspective.

(10) “Multistate licensure privilege” has the meaning set forth in COMAR 10.27.01.01B.

(11) “Peer review” means a process by which an RN-FNE’s clinical examination and documentation is reviewed by one or more peers who are authorized to perform the duties of an RN-FNE.

(12) "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine in this State.

(13) "Practice guideline" means a written documentation that details the standards of care and practice protocols the facility has established to guide the practice of the RN-FNE.

(14) “Program coordinator” means an RN-FNE designated by the facility to manage and oversee the FNE program.

(15) "Proper authority" means a representative of law enforcement, adult or child protective services, or the jurisdictional authority for a minor or mentally incapacitated individual.

(16) “Refresher course” means a curriculum that:

(a) Includes didactic and clinical education; and

(b) Meets the practice requirements for reinstatement of certification as an RN-FNE.

(17) “Registered nurse” means an individual who:

(a) Is licensed by the Board to practice registered nursing; or

(b) Has a multistate licensure privilege to practice registered nursing.

(18) "RN-FNE" means a registered nurse forensic nurse examiner certified by the Board.

(19) “RN-FNE Educator” means an individual who:

(a) Has a current:

(i) License to practice as a registered nurse in Maryland;

(ii) Multistate licensure privilege to practice registered nursing under the Nurse Licensure Compact; or

(iii) Certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse in Maryland; and

(b) Is certified under this chapter as a:

(i) Registered Nurse Forensic Examiner — Adult (RN-FNE-A);

(ii) Registered Nurse Forensic Examiner — Pediatric (RN-FNE-P); or

(iii) Registered Nurse Forensic Examiner — Adult and Pediatric (RN-FNE-AP); and

(c) Is qualified to teach the theoretical and clinical portions of the RN-FNE training program.

(20) "RN-FNE-A" means a registered nurse certified by the Board to practice as a forensic nurse examiner with respect to forensic examinations performed on adults and individuals 13 years old or older.

(21) "RN-FNE-P" means a forensic nurse examiner-pediatric who is certified by the Board to practice as a forensic nurse examiner with respect to examinations of children who are younger than 13 years old.

(22) "RN-FNE-AP" means a registered nurse certified by the Board to practice as a forensic nurse examiner with respect to examinations of individuals of all ages.

(23) "SAFE" means a registered nurse who was certified by the Board before December 13, 1999, as a sexual assault forensic examiner under this chapter.

(24) "SANE" means a registered nurse who has successfully completed a program which meets the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Standards of Practice established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

(25) “SANE-A” means a forensic nurse examiner certified by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) to perform a forensic evidentiary examination on adults and individuals 13 years old or older.

(26) “SANE-P” means a forensic nurse examiner certified by the IAFN to perform a forensic evidentiary examination on children who are younger than 13 years of age.

(27) "Simulation” means the utilization of an adult anatomically correct manikin or a GUTA in the performance of a forensic evidentiary examination.

(28) “Training program” means the instructional process utilizing the standardized curriculum approved by the Board.