Louisiana Senate Bill SR144

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/25
• Refer: 5/29/25
• Report Pass: 6/4/25
• Passed: 6/10/25

Caption

Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to propose solutions to the SANE nurse shortage.

Impact

The resolution highlights the urgent need for improvement in local healthcare responses to sexual assault incidents. By proposing that the Department of Health conduct a review of the current sexual assault response plan and the employment model for SANE nurses, the resolution aims to ensure timely care for survivors. The inclusion of stakeholder collaboration is crucial, as it could lead to the identification of effective solutions for sustaining SANE nurse services and facilitating better healthcare access for those in need.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 144, introduced by Senator Mizell, addresses the significant shortage of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE nurses) throughout Louisiana. SANE nurses play a critical role in providing specialized medical care and forensic examinations to survivors of sexual assault, yet the state currently has only one hundred SANE nurses, with a mere fifty-three fully certified. This resolution urges the Louisiana Department of Health and the attorney general to develop strategies to increase the number of SANE nurses, especially in rural areas where access to such vital services is severely lacking.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR144 reflects a serious concern for public health and the well-being of sexual assault survivors. Legislators and stakeholders recognize the adverse effects that the lack of trained SANE nurses has on victims, leading to extended wait times and inadequate care. The resolution has been met with support from various advocacy groups who demand immediate action to address this critical public health issue, underscoring the necessity for adequate training and resources for these professionals.

Contention

Despite broad support for increasing the number of SANE nurses, there may be challenges regarding funding and resource allocation. The successful implementation of the proposed solutions will largely depend on securing grant funding and effective coordination among health service providers and government entities. Concerns may arise about how to balance these initiatives with other healthcare priorities, and ongoing discussions will likely explore the best strategies to foster collaboration between the state and local agencies to enhance response times and care quality for sexual assault survivors.