Legal Basics for Professional Nursing:
Nurse Practice Acts
by Mable H. Smith, RN, JD, PhD
Expiration Date: December 31, 2009
No CE contact hours (CH) will be given after this date.
Table of Contents
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "reg" Regulation of Nursing Practice
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "history" History of Nurse Practice Acts
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "board" Board of Nursing
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "grounds" Grounds for Disciplinary Actions
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "disprocess" Disciplinary Proceeding Process
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "complaint" Complaint
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "counsel" Right to Counsel
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "hearing" Hearing and Decision by the Board
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "add" Additional Roles of the Boards of Nursing
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "risk" Risk Management for Nurses
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "found" Foundation for Professional Practice
·ð HYPERLINK "http://nursingworld.org/mods/mod995/canlegalnrsfull.htm" \l "ref" References
Abstract
The purpose/goal of this independent study module is to provide nurses with important information about the legal basics of nursing practice. This module provides the practicing nurse with current information regarding legal implications related to professional nursing. The module will address the regulation of nursing practice, current trends, and workplace issues. The module will also identify the most common complaints to the Boards of Nursing, analyze the role of the State Board in protecting the public, and describe risk management strategies for the professional nurse. Finally, ethical and professional challenges facing nursing in today's healthcare environment will be explored.
NOTE: This continuing education activity does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to replace specific advice from the registered nurse's own attorney about his or her unique situation.
Keywords:
Legal issues, risk management, liability, Nurse Practice Act
Objectives:
As a result of this independent study module, the learner will be able to:
1. Explain the regulation of nursing practice and current trends.
2. Identify the most common complaints to state Boards of Nursing.
3. Describe the disciplinary proceeding process.
4. Analyze the role of Boards of Nursing in protecting the public.
5. Evaluate risk management strategies for the professional nurse.
