LEGAL IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Course overview

This interesting continuing education course uses case studies to highlight the legal implications of the many aspects of nursing practice, from writing about a patient on Facebook and the laws regarding confidentiality and libel, to the use of restraints and the laws regarding battery. Case studies throughout the course allow the nurse to consider the nurse practice act and see how the laws related to delegation, documentation, confidentiality, conflict of interest, slander and libel, and assault and battery affect nursing practice. Course Objectives: - Discuss legal considerations pertinent to the practice of nursing. - Identify issues to consider when delegating nursing duties to other nurses and/or unlicensed assistive personnel. - Recognize potential areas of conflict that might evolve from decisions made when documenting care. - Describe how to maintain patient health and personal information in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable confidentiality requirements. - Describe how a conflict of interest can compromise professional behavior. - Describe the difference between slander and libel and how to avoid committing them.