Authors: Shelda Shank, RN, BSN, PHN and Joanne E. Souza RN, BSN, MBA
As in many other industries, laws and regulations significantly impact the functioning of the healthcare industry. All licensed medical professionals work under established standards, comprising local, state, and federal laws as well as specific guidelines. Professional nurses fall under these guidelines and this is where the scope of practice comes into play followed by individual state Nurse Practice Acts (NPA). Some laws, such as those relating to malpractice affect the manner in which the industry operates. Others affect the organization and the environment itself. Therefore, it is increasingly important that nurses understand this complex and dynamic legal minefield.
Healthcare professionals are required to make decisions or complete tasks that can result in legal action initiated by coworkers or clients. Most nurses have the dedication, motivation, education and training to accomplish their jobs and responsibilities accurately and professionally. However, there are instances when regardless of the application of strict standards and practices and attention to detail, incidents can occur which result in litigation. To help avoid these instances, you must be educated and informed of current laws, statutes, standards that directly apply to daily practice and options available to you if your professional conduct is questioned in a court of law.
Course objectives include:
• List and describe the three sources of law in the U.S.
• Define and compare the terms battery, malpractice and negligence.
• Define HIPPA and it’s significance to the healthcare industry.
• Outline the standards for competent nursing practice of RNs and LPNs in Ohio.
• Review standards for the promotion of client safety in nursing practice.
• Identify responsibilities of licensed nurses within the scope of the nursing process.
Law
Law
