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IAFN

Definition

International Association of Forensic Nurses: the professional body that sets education standards, administers the SANE-A and SANE-P certification examinations, and publishes clinical practice guidelines for the specialty.

Founded
1992
Role
Global standard-setting and credentialing body for forensic nursing
Key Certifications
SANE-A (adult) and SANE-P (pediatric) examinations

Common questions

What is IAFN and who founded it?+

IAFN stands for International Association of Forensic Nurses. Founded in 1992, it is the primary professional body that sets standards and credentials for forensic nursing worldwide. It establishes education requirements, administers certification exams, and publishes practice guidelines for the specialty.

What certifications does IAFN offer?+

IAFN administers the SANE-A and SANE-P certification examinations. These credentials recognize nurses who meet the organization's education and competency standards for forensic nursing practice.

Why is IAFN important for forensic nursing?+

IAFN provides the standard-setting framework for the specialty. By establishing education standards, publishing clinical practice guidelines, and offering professional credentials, IAFN ensures consistent, high-quality forensic nursing care across different jurisdictions and settings.

Related terms

SANE
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: a registered nurse credentialled by the IAFN to conduct medical-forensic examinations following sexual violence. SANE-A covers adult/adolescent patients;...
Scope of practice
The legally defined boundaries of what a licensed nurse may do in a given jurisdiction, which for forensic nurses extends to evidence...
FNDI
Forensic Nurse Death Investigator. A registered nurse working within a medical examiner or coroner system to investigate deaths in the field, combining...
One Stop Centre (OSC)
India's government-funded integrated support centres for survivors of violence against women, providing medical, legal, police, psychological, and shelter services under one roof,...
SAFE
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner: the UK and Canadian term for the specialist forensic-examiner role, which may be held by nurses, midwives, or...
SANE-A / SANE-P
The two IAFN certification examinations: SANE-A for adult and adolescent patients; SANE-P for the paediatric population. Both require documented clinical hours and...
Standing orders
Pre-authorised protocols signed off by a supervising physician or institution that permit the SANE to perform specified clinical acts (evidence collection, prophylaxis,...
Telehealth SANE
A programme model in which a credentialled SANE provides real-time remote guidance via video link, enabling high-quality forensic examinations in rural or...

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