Can the registered nurse perform sexual assault examinations, including using colposcopy to collect forensic evidence collection?

It is within the scope of an appropriately prepared and competent registered nurse to perform sexual assault examinations and perform colposcopy to collect forensic evidence under the direction of an authorized provider, following clinical practice guidelines. Standing orders may be used. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission’s Standing Orders and Verbal Orders Advisory Opinion provides additional guidance and recommendations. The registered nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if these activities are within the nurse’s legal and individual scope of practice. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission recommends the registered nurse receive training as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).