Legal Foundations of Nursing Practice
Through focused modules and real-world case reviews, participants will explore legal principles such as torts, the Patient Self-Determination Act, and standards of care. The course also emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation, appropriate patient information sharing, and understanding the litigation process. By the end of the course, nurses will be equipped to identify and manage legal risks, protect patient rights, and practice with greater confidence within their legal scope.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:
- Define the different types of law.
- Recall select rules and regulations affecting clinical nursing practice.
- Identify the elements of malpractice.
- Differentiate the scope of practice from the standard of care.
- Identify protective documentation practices.
- State examples of permitted disclosures.
- Identify the primary purpose of professional liability insurance.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Introduction
-
An Overview of the Law
Chapter 2: Legal Principles Impacting Nursing Practice
- Quasi-Intentional Torts
- Intentional Torts
- Unintentional Torts
- Key Components of Malpractice
- Informed Consent
- Patient Self Determination Act
Chapter 3: Scope of Practice & Standards of Care
- Defining Scope of Practice
- Standards of Practice
- Standards of Professional Performance
- Nursing Code of Ethics
Chapter 4: Documentation
- Clarity and Timeliness in Charting
- Brief Yet Complete
- Appropriate Use of Terminology
- Accuracy and Corrections
- Common Documentation Mistakes
- Security and Privacy: HIPAA
Chapter 5: HIPAA and PHI
- Parental Access to Medical Records
- Appropriate Sharing of Patient Information
- Permissible Disclosures Under HIPAA
- Legal Requirements for Law Enforcement Requests
- Working with Medical Interpreters
- Privacy Considerations for Pediatric Patients
Chapter 6: The Litigation Process
- Phases of a Lawsuit: What Nurses Should Know
- Navigating the Discovery Process
- Testifying as a Witness or Defendant
Chapter 7: Malpractice and Liability Insurance
- The Role of Liability Insurance in Nursing Practice
- Case Reviews
Chapter 8: References
- California BON Required Implicit Bias Information
- References
Price: $24.00
Contact Hours: 2
Course Author
Kendall Moore
Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She has a deep passion for nutrition and hormone health, is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, and is currently enrolled in Pacific College's RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program. Upon graduation, Kendall intends to begin a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program to further expand her expertise.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the company while simultaneously attending school and authoring educational courses. Her unique blend of leadership, clinical knowledge, and dedication to holistic health reflects her commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.
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