American Nurses Credentialing Center to Welcome Forensic Nurses

SILVER SPRING, MD - April 3, 2026 - The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has entered into an agreement with the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) for the transfer of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner credentials (SANE-A and SANE-P), including both adult and pediatric certifications and all related certification content, in advance of the dissolution of the International Association of Forensic Nurses.

"ANCC recognizes the vital role that Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Forensic Nurse Examiners play in providing specialized, trauma-informed care to patients and supporting the pursuit of justice for survivors," said Brad Goettl, DNP, DHA, RN, FAAN, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer of the American Nurses Enterprise. "We understand the significance of these credentials to the nurses who hold them and to the communities they serve and are committed to their stewardship."

Currently, ANCC is conducting a thorough review of the SANE-A and SANE-P certifications. SANE-A and SANE-P certification holders who were due to expire in 2026 have been extended through the calendar year 2027 and now hold an expiration date of 12/31/2027.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) will also continue to uphold the responsibility of publishing the Forensic Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, the foundational document that has long guided forensic nurses in delivering expert, trauma-informed care and supporting survivors with both clinical skill and compassion.

As this transition continues, ANCC remains committed to keeping credential holders informed. Credential holders with questions can contact the ANCC Customer Care Center directly at [email protected]. To sign up to receive more information from ANCC about these credentials, click here.

###

About the American Nurses Credentialing Center

The American Nurses Credentialing Center partners with the nation's largest group of healthcare professionals to uphold the highest standards of nursing excellence. With a comprehensive suite of individual certifications and organizational accreditation programs designed to foster research, innovation, career growth, and leadership development, the credentialing center equips nurses to achieve safer, patient-centric outcomes both nationally and internationally. Committed to harnessing The Power of Nurses™ to elevate care standards worldwide, the credentialing center continuously sets the benchmarks that support excellence in every facet of nursing practice.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]