UnityPoint Health - Meriter - Forensic Nurse Examiner Program

Forensic Nurse Examiners Program
The Forensic Nurse Examiners Program (formerly known as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program or SANE) at UnityPoint Health – Meriter strives to help victims of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence begin the healing process. Since 1988, the Forensic Nurse Examiners Program has provided care to more than 10,000 victims of all ages, genders, races and populations.
Hours & Directions
Hours of Operation
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours

Care Provided
We recognize this is a frightening, traumatic time for victims. Our forensic nurses will provide a safe, compassionate exam and empower the patient to determine their plan of care, including:
- Emotional support
- Physical examination and wellness check
- Collection of medical-forensic evidence
- Assistance with reporting the crime to police, when requested (mandatory reporting for children)
- Assistance with concerns about sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy
- Assistance with safety planning
- Development of a medical follow-up plan
Follow-Up Care
After the exam, a forensic nurse will call the patient to discuss any lab test results and may refer the patient to professionals who can provide additional services including:
- The Dane County Rape Crisis Center for assistance with crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling.
- The Crime Victim Compensation Fund, which provides reimbursement for medical care, clothing, time lost on the job and other losses as a result of the assault.
- Health care providers for follow-up medical care. With the patient's consent, the Forensic Nurse Examiners Program will provide all lab and exam results to the primary care provider.
Insurance/Patient Fees
Meriter accepts all commercial insurance providers such as Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, Dean Health Plan, Group Health Cooperative, UnitedHealthcare and Unity Health Plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
If a patient has insurance, but prefers not to use it, due to confidentiality reasons, or is uninsured, the hospital can apply for reimbursement through the WI SAFE Fund. The SAFE Fund is a program that can provide financial assistance for the cost of a forensic medical exam for victims of sexual assault.
If the patient does not have medical coverage, he or she may be eligible for assistance from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund or the Uncompensated Care Program through Meriter. However, Meriter will help all patients regardless of his or her ability to pay.
A referral is not needed to be seen by a forensic nurse.
Community Support
The Forensic Nurse Examiners Program is a community effort financially supported by:
- Meriter Foundation
- Law enforcement agencies
- United Way of Dane County
- Victims of Crime Act
- YWCA Madison
Visit the UnityPoint Health - Meriter Foundation to support the important work this program provides to those in need.
Resources & FAQ
Resources
Forensic Nurse Examiners Program welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with medical professionals from all disciplines. Due to the highly specialized care that is required for patients of sexual assault, forensic nurse examiners are available for questions, consults and exams. Regardless of when the assault occurred, forensic nurses recommends the patient is seen by our program for a specialized exam and collaboration of services.
Follow-Up Care
At discharge, we encourage patients to follow-up with his or her primary care provider. With the patient's consent, the Forensic Nurse Examiners Program will provide all lab and exam results.
Forensic Nurse Examiners Program recommends the following care:
- HIV testing
- Syphilis testing
- Vaccine assessment
- Emotional wellness
- Health assessment
Presentations
Forensic nurses are available to speak to groups and organizations and may also provide expert testimony in a court of law.
Patient Handout
You are welcome to print and provide this handout to patients you are referring to the Forensic Nurse Examiners Program at UnityPoint Health – Meriter.
Forensic Nurse Examiners Program welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with law enforcement and child protection services from all counties. Due to the highly specialized care that is required for patients of sexual assault, forensic nurses are available for questions, consults and exams. Regardless of when the assault occurred, Forensic Nurse Examiners Program recommends the patient is seen by our program for a specialized exam and collaboration of services.
However, to obtain forensic physical findings, it is best the examination is performed as soon as possible.
Evidence Collection
- Evidence for the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit can be collected up to 120 hours after the assault. Any questions about the time frame, please call us at (608) 417-5916.
- Injury documentation including photography
- Strangulation forensic documentation including photography
Additional Services
Forensic nurses are also trained in:
- Suspect exams
- Child physical abuse
- Elder abuse
- Assisting in coroner cases
Presentations
Forensic nurses are available to speak to groups and organizations and may also provide expert testimony in a court of law.
Patient Handout
You are welcome to print and provide this handout to patients you are referring to the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at UnityPoint Health – Meriter.
FAQ | Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is when someone has sex with you when you don't want to. It's common to "freeze" and not fight or yell. It's also common not to have injuries after an assault. If you are impaired from drugs or alcohol and don't say yes, it's sexual assault – even if you can't remember the details.
She knows him and he's a really nice guy, but she said no.
If you didn't consent, there's no excuse for the other person to continue. The vast majority of sexual assaults occur by someone we know.
Forensic Nurse Examiners Program staff will not call the police if you were drinking and/or underage. Nurses will provide medical care even if you can't recall the details.
Being assaulted is never your fault or your friend's fault.
Be supportive.
Your support can have a positive impact on your friend's recovery.
- Forensic Nurse Examiners Program care team at UnityPoint Health – Meriter, (608) 417-5916
- University Health Services: Medical and Mental Health Services, (608) 265-5600
- Rape Crisis Center 24-hour Hotline, (608) 251-7273
- Student Assistance and Judicial Affairs, (608) 263-5700