Responding to Acute Sexual Assault Survivors: SASETA Emergency Department Clinical Staff Training

Description: Responding to Acute Sexual Assault Survivors: SASETA Emergency Department Clinical Staff Training was developed by the Illinois Office of the Attorney General's SANE Program to fulfill statutory training requirements established under the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA), 410 ILCS 70, and applicable administrative rules at 77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 545.

This educational activity is designed for emergency department clinical staff, including attending physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and registered professional nurses who provide direct clinical services and who may not meet the definition of a Qualified Medical Provider (QMP).

ED providers are frequently the first point of contact for patients presenting with concerns of acute sexual assault. Research demonstrates gaps in non-specialist providers' knowledge related to trauma-informed care, forensic evidence collection, applicable Illinois law, and services patients are entitled to receive. This training addresses those gaps.

This training does NOT include hospital specific sexual assault policies and procedures, which are required. Please check with your hospital regarding these additional requirements.

ACCREDITATION:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the Illinois Attorney General. The SIU School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT STATEMENTS:
The SIU School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

SIU School of Medicine is preapproved as a continuing nursing education provider pursuant to Section 1300.130, subsection c), 1), B) and O) of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Nurse Practice Act. Nurses may receive a maximum of 3 contact hours for completing this activity.

*All other attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion

None of the speakers or planners have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
• Describe the scope, purpose, and key provisions of the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) (410 ILCS 70/) and its implementing regulations (77 Ill. Adm. Code Part 545).
• Identify the roles, responsibilities, and legal obligations when a sexual assault survivor presents to a treatment hospital or transfer hospital.
• Explain the neurobiology of trauma and its impact on survivor behavior, disclosure, and presentation in the emergency department.
• Apply trauma-informed care principles consistent with the CDC's Guiding Principles for a Trauma-Informed Approach.
• Describe the components, purpose, and proper handling of the Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, including chain-of-custody and evidence submission requirements.
• Identify the mandatory services provided to acute sexual assault survivors, including STI/HIV evaluation, emergency contraception, photo documentation, discharge materials, and advocacy referral.
• Describe the epidemiology of sexual assault.
• Describe the role of the Illinois Attorney General's SANE Program.
• Demonstrate the steps of a medical forensic examination, including use of the evidence collection kit.
• Evaluate the screening and treatment considerations for patients who may have experienced drug-facilitated sexual assault.
• Describer the role and function of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) in coordinating multidisciplinary care.
• Recognize the impact of vicarious trauma on healthcare providers and identify strategies to support professional resilience.