Forensic Nurse Examiner Services Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Mission Hospital and Monday – Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM at the Buncombe County Family Justice Center in Asheville, NC. What is a Forensic Nurse Examiner? Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE) provide safe, comprehensive and compassionate care for patients who have been impacted by violence and/or trauma. FNEs have received specialized training and education in injury identification, documentation, and the collection of evidence. At Mission Hospital, FNEs care for patients of all ages who may have experienced: Sexual assault and abuse Human trafficking Domestic violence/intimate partner violence Physical assault Strangulation Pediatric cases (assist child safety team) What is a medical forensic exam? The FNE will explain available options for a patient’s medical-forensic care. The patient may choose none, any, or all of the following options for care that they receive: Medical concerns addressed Medico-legal documentation Forensic photography Sexual assault kit collection Physical evidence collectiont The adult patient has the right to choose to report to law enforcement. If the patient does not wish to report, the evidence collected may be stored “anonymously.” Sexual assault care Patients who have been sexually assaulted are offered medical care with or without evidence collection. This may include: Medical nursing assessment Medications to prevent pregnancy Medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections Medication‘s to prevent HIV Referrals to appropriate healthcare providers for immediate care and follow-up Referrals to counseling and advocacy Patients who have been sexually assaulted may have evidence collected with or without a report to law-enforcement. Anonymous sexual assault kits may be stored for up to one year, allowing the patient time to decide whether or not to move forward. The patient may choose whether or not to have care and may withdraw their consent at any time during the exam. Contact Us Mission Hospital Direct: 828-772-1681 Office: 828-213-8471 509 Biltmore Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 24 hours a day / 7 days a week Buncombe County Family Justice Center Office: 828-250-6900 35 Woodfin Street Asheville, NC 28801 Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM Community Resources Helpmate (Domestic Violence) 24 Hour Hotline 828-254-0516 Our VOICE (Sexual Abuse) 24 Hour Hotline 828-255-7576