44-4-1702. Sexual assault response network program -- establish -- general powers and duties. (1) The sexual assault response network program established under 2-15-2034 will support efforts to provide uniform sexual assault evidence kit distribution and handling, coordinate a comprehensive, trauma-informed response to survivors of sexual violence, provide discipline-based training and technical assistance for sexual assault responders in accordance with national and state best practices and local laws, and advance access to quality sexual assault forensic examinations and care through teleSANE innovations.

(2) The department of justice shall adopt rules to establish:

(a) minimum standards of sexual assault care;

(b) minimum standards to operate a SANE program; and

(c) the operation and designation of SANE programs.

(3) The program's powers and duties include but are not limited to:

(a) coordinating with the sexual assault response team committee;

(b) conducting ongoing adult, adolescent, and pediatric didactic and clinical sexual assault nurse examiner training for medical professionals;

(c) recruiting and organizing sexual assault nurse examiner trainers to increase in-state training capacity;

(d) researching teleSANE models and technological solutions to increase access to sexual assault forensic examinations and sexual assault nurse examiner care;

(e) providing quality, accessible sexual assault response training and technical assistance for law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocates, and other relevant professionals;

(f) organizing the development of community sexual assault response teams;

(g) promoting public education and awareness of sexual violence prevention, available services, and care;

(h) maintaining the statewide sexual assault evidence kit tracking system provided for in 46-15-405;

(i) maintaining the department of justice sexual assault evidence kit hotline; and

(j) coordinating statewide sexual assault evidence kit inventory, materials, and distribution, including making sexual assault evidence kit resources available online.

(4) The department of justice may collaborate with other persons, victim service providers, health care facilities, the Montana hospital association, the Montana nurses association, the Montana coalition against domestic and sexual violence, the Montana sheriffs and peace officers association, the Montana association of chiefs of police, the Montana county attorneys' association, law enforcement agencies, and other government agencies to execute its general powers and duties under this section.