Forensic Healthcare Examiner Adult/Adolescents (FHE-A) Initial Course DEC

Week 1- Live webinar via Teams 0730-1630 CST

Week 2- In-person with MTF Preceptor 0730-1630 CST

SEND Application packet to [email protected]

If you require an Application packet contact [email protected] or the DHA MTF Program Manager.

The Initial Forensic Healthcare Examiner Adult/Adolescent (FHE-A) initial training is a two-week training, which includes the required 40-hour didactic training, clinical training, and competency verification. The applicant must attend the entire training. To apply, the applicant must be appointed to perform FHE duties at the Military Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) or on deployment, be a Physician, Advanced Practice Nurse, Midwife, Physician Assistant or Registered Nurse and have three years of clinical experience (can include residency). The applicant must complete week two with an approved qualified preceptor; a TDY may be required to fulfill this requirement. The Headquarters (HQ) DHA Forensic Healthcare Program (FHP) does not provide funds for the TDY. Completed Application is due 30 days prior the course start date to be considered for the course.

PURPOSE: Provide specialized education for health care providers who plan to practice as Forensic Healthcare Examiners Adult/Adolescent (FHE-A). This initial training course will provide the student with educational content to provide competent, comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated care for adult/adolescent patients who require care for sexual assault, intimate partner violence and strangulation, including examining a pregnant patient. The initial training course will provide the didactic content and clinical skills necessary to conduct a forensic healthcare examination which includes a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination (SAFE) and examinations related to intimate partner violence and strangulation.

PREREQUISITES:

o Approved by MTF or DHA DoD Equivalent POC to serve as a FHE-A

o Favorable Background Checks IAW regulations

o 15 Female anogenital/speculum examinations

o 5 Male anogenital examinations

Each attendee must complete the application form and be proficient in performing vaginal speculum insertions and male/female anogenital examinations to participate in the training and pass required background checks to practice as an FHE-A. The attendee must provide validation from the MTF FHE-A Program Manager (PM) or equivalent to serve as a current FHE at the MTF.

At a minimum, the applicant must complete 15 documented vaginal speculum insertions and female ano-genital examinations with a credentialed provider. The female ano-genital examination includes, genital anatomy identification (clitoral hood, clitoris, labia majora, labia menora, urethral meatus, vaginal orifice, hymen, posterior fourchette, and fossa navicularis), genital assessment, positioning, labial separation, labial traction, and vaginal speculum insertion. If competency is not obtained examinations must be conducted until competency is met. If the attendee is a privileged provider who regularly conducts female ano-genital examination and vaginal speculum insertion a waiver may be granted.

At a minimum, the applicant must complete 5 documented male ano-genital examinations with a privileged provider. The male ano-genital examination includes external genital anatomy identification (urethral meatus, foreskin (circumcised/uncircumcised), glans, shaft, scrotum (testes)), genital assessment, and positioning. If competency is not obtained additional examinations must be conducted until competency is met. If the attendee is a privileged provider who regularly conducts male ano-genital examination, a waiver may be granted.

Favorable Screenings: Checks IAW DoDI 6495.02, DHA PM 6310.01

Complete the application. Attendance is limited, and pre-approval is required. If accepted, the applicant will receive confirmation three weeks prior to course start date via email before the training that contains the Letter of Instruction and class details.

Funding: No fee for the course. HQ DHA FHP does not fund TDY. Not centrally funded.

Required synchronous remote and local training needs to participate in the course:

Computer (large monitor recommended)

Video camera

Internet connection

Teams access

Cell phone. Dial in available to listen to presenter.

Securing a valid Preceptor

Area free of distractions. The place of duty is the FHE-A initial course; it is not acceptable to address other issues at work or at home during the class instruction time. If this occurs, the applicant may be disenrolled from the course.

Special Considerations: 3 years of clinical practice. Must be willing to participate with investigations, Military Criminal Investigation Organization (MCIO)/legal processes and testify in court proceedings. The following agencies will be valuable to collaborate with before and after you complete the initial training: Forensic Healthcare Examiners/Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiners,, Law Enforcement, Criminal Court, JAG, Victim Services, Crime Laboratory, and other local rape crisis centers. Observation of a medical forensic examination prior to attendance is helpful.

Annual verification of competencies and refresher training is required to maintain the FHE-A currency and verification of practice.

Host or Publisher DHA Forensic Healthcare Program