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 and completed Pacific College of Health and Science’s RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program in 2026, also graduating Magna Cum Laude.
In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy Education, where she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and contributes as an educational course author. Her combination of leadership experience, clinical knowledge, and passion for holistic health reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.
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