SD Law Changes in Post-Sexual Assault Medical Care
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Event Details
Overview: This session will provide a comprehensive review and open discussion on amendments made to SDCL 22.22.26 that specifies which medical personnel are allowed to conduct a medical-forensic exam and the requirements for hospital and clinic policies on available post-assault care. This session will also include a review and explanation on eSANE/teleSANE, which is included in the new law changes.
Objectives:
- Review recent legislative and policy changes relevant to providing post-sexual assault care.
- Explain key components and practical implications of the new law changes.
- Discuss how the changes may impact professional responsibilities, compliance, and service delivery.
- Provide participants an opportunity to ask questions and engage in open discussion regarding implementation challenges and considerations.
Audience: hospital
Jen Canton is the Forensic Nursing Program and Training Specialist at the SD Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. She is also a Forensic Nurse Examiner at Avera McKennan Hospital and an ED RN at the Avera Heart Hospital. She previously served as the Forensic Nursing Project Director at the International Association of Forensic Nurses and the SANE Supervisor at Avera McKennan and Avel eCare in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she led the development and expansion of post–sexual assault care services, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Jen holds an Associate Degree in the Applied Science of Nursing from Walters State Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Presentation College, and a Master of Science in Forensic Nursing from Duquesne University. She maintains certifications in critical care, emergency, and trauma nursing, and is nationally certified as both a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner–Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) and Pediatric (SANE-P). Her specialized training includes all types of interpersonal violence and non-fatal strangulation.
In addition to clinical practice, Jen is deeply engaged in education and systems-level work. She provides training and technical assistance to nurses and other medical professionals, law enforcement, advocacy, educational institutions and other members of the multidisciplinary team throughout the Upper Midwest and has served as a content expert in the development and delivery of SANE education and clinical skills labs across South Dakota. She is an active member of the South Dakota Statewide Sexual Assault Task Force, and she co-authored the 3rd revision of the ANA’s Forensic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice.