Trauma-informed Care Could Be First Continuing Education Requirement for Indiana RNs, LPNs

Louisville Public Media (01/24/24) Ruhman, Abigail

Proposed legislation in Indiana would require trauma-informed care training for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses in the state. State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) proposed the one-time training requirement for trauma-informed care education within five years of starting a position with direct patient contact to increase awareness of the challenges that trauma and adversity pose for patients. Crider authored Senate Bill 45, which is not directly linked to licensure, after speaking with an advanced practice RN who had survived sexual assault. "She described how this training, she felt, would be really beneficial for those folks that have direct line, contact with the public and how that understanding could help them effectively," Crider explained. Some questions or experiences may re-traumatize patients, noted Amanda Gill, RN. "Do you have any history of sexual, physical, mental abuse?" Gill said. "We ask that, it's very standard. I'll be honest to tell you that most healthcare professionals do not expect anyone to say yes. We're just going through the questions." Trauma-informed care education notes the importance of obtaining consent to touch or share information in medical situations, she added.

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