1. A. An RN-FNE may perform the following tasks and functions with respect to the age group for which the RN-FNE is certified under Regulation .03 of this chapter:

   1. (1) Perform forensic evidentiary examinations on victims and alleged perpetrators in connection with physical, sexual, or domestic assaults, whether chronic or acute;
   2. (2) Before the forensic evidentiary examination, obtain consent from the individual being examined, from the parent or guardian of a minor individual, or from the proper authority for photographing and evidence collection;
   3. (3) Prepare and document the assault history interview;
   4. (4) Perform the forensic evidentiary physical assessment, which may include use of an ALS;
   5. (5) Complete the physical evidence kit provided by law enforcement;

   6. (6) Gather, preserve, handle, document, and label forensic evidence, including but not limited to:

      1. (a) Labeling evidence collection containers with the patient's identifying data per local jurisdiction requirements;
      2. (b) Placing evidence in the evidence collection container and sealing the container;
      3. (c) Signing the evidence collection container as the collector of the evidence;
      4. (d) Taking photographs; and
      5. (e) Obtaining swabs, smears, and hair and body fluid samples;
   7. (7) Maintain the chain of custody;
   8. (8) Provide immediate health interventions using clinical practice guidelines;
   9. (9) Obtain consultations and make referrals to health care personnel and community agencies;
   10. (10) Provide immediate crisis intervention at the time of the examination;
   11. (11) Provide discharge instructions;
   12. (12) Participate in forensic proceedings including courtroom testimony;
   13. (13) Interface with law enforcement officials, crime labs, and State attorney's offices; and
   14. (14) Assist the licensed physician in performing a forensic evidentiary examination.

2. B. Clinical Practice Guidelines. An RN-FNE may practice only in a clinical setting in which clinical policy and practice guidelines:

   1. (1) Have been approved by the facility's medical and nursing departments;
   2. (2) Designate the availability of qualified physician resources;
   3. (3) Identify the department in which an RN-FNE shall function; and
   4. (4) Designate a program coordinator who has experience in forensic evidentiary examinations to administer the RN-FNE training program.

3. C. The program coordinator:

   1. (1) Is responsible for obtaining Board approval of the curriculum before conducting a training program;
   2. (2) Has responsibility for oversight and administration of the facility’s RN-FNE training program and the practice of the facility’s RN-FNEs;
   3. (3) Verifies the qualifications and certifications of any RN-FNE practicing in the facility;
   4. (4) Administers and manages the RN-FNE practice;
   5. (5) Approves practice protocols and standards of care for RN-FNE practice;

   6. (6) Shall develop a peer review process that includes, but is not limited to:

      1. (a) Coordinating the peer review of cases;
      2. (b) Ensuring that the peer review is consistent with the standardized data collection process;
      3. (c) Ensuring that a peer reviewer meets the qualifications in Regulation .05 of this chapter; and
      4. (d) Using the standardized form for peer review that is required by the Board;
   7. (7) Interfaces with law enforcement, the State's attorney, and community resource groups;
   8. (8) Implements the facility's Board-approved RN-FNE curricula; and
   9. (9) Facilitates reimbursement for RN-FNE services by cooperating with the facility's billing department and interacting with the State reimbursement system.
4. D. An RN-FNE shall comply with all State and federal statutes and regulations related to the RN-FNE practice.
5. E. An RN-FNE shall maintain medical records in accordance with Health-General Article, Title 4, Subtitle 4, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Authority: Health-General Article, §4-403; Health Occupations Article, §§8-205 and 8-312; Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: December 13, 1999 (26:25 Md. R. 1898)

Regulations .01—.08 repealed and new Regulations .01—.08 adopted effective April 28, 2003 (30:8 Md. R. 542)

Regulation .05 amended effective September 25, 2006 (33:19 Md. R. 1561)

Regulation .07D adopted effective September 25, 2006 (33:19 Md. R. 1561)

Chapter revised effective March 19, 2012 (39:5 Md. R. 383)

Regulation .02B amended effective February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 254); September 10, 2018 (45:18 Md. R. 834)

Regulation .03 amended effective February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 254)

Regulation .03B amended effective September 10, 2018 (45:18 Md. R. 834)

Regulation .04A, C amended effective February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 254)

Regulation .04E adopted effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)

Regulation .05 amended effective February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 254)

Regulation .07 amended effective January 18, 2016 (43:1 Md. R. 13); February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 254)

Regulation .08A amended effective September 10, 2018 (45:18 Md. R. 834)