This article was published in April 2020 and reflects information current at the time of publication. During extraordinary circumstances like a global pandemic, nurses who operate their own nursing businesses may have questions regarding the ever-changing nature of their practice. Below is a list of some important risk management considerations when operating an independent nursing practice...
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This area was created to provide NPs with specific tools and resources related to their specific scope of practice. In this section, you will find articles, tools and resources that will assist you in understanding the legal considerations related to NP practice. Ask a Lawyer Ask a Lawyer: Mature Minor Ending the NP-Client relationship Nurse...
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Occupational health nurses (OHNs) deliver a variety of healthcare services in their workplace. Some areas of concern specific to occupational health nursing (OH nursing) are: Legislation Provincial, territorial, and federal legislation affecting OH nursing includes law governing occupational health and safety, workers’ compensation, employment and labour relations, and privacy. The employer must ensure compliance with...
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Perioperative nursing is a complex specialty of nursing that encompasses care before, during, and after surgery. Reported case law helps identify potential physical risks to surgical patients and possible legal risks for operating room nurses. This article presents a variety of case studies that highlight some of the legal risks involved with perioperative care. The...
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On June 17, 2016, the federal government’s Bill C-14 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) received royal assent and became law in Canada. As a result of receiving royal assent, the provisions of Bill C-14 which amend the Criminal Code now form...
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Table of Contents What is the difference between the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations? Will the provincial or territorial legislation impose further limits on my nursing practice? Now that the Cannabis Act has come into force and cannabis is legal, am I free to do as I wish? Information for Nurse Practitioners Information for...
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Question: I am a nurse practitioner and my patient Jane is a 15-year old female who requires IV antibiotics for a foot infection. Jane lives away from home, attends school and is otherwise in good health. Is she capable of consenting to treatment, or must I obtain parental consent? Answer: The issue of consent is...
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Question : I am a nurse who is employed at a primary care clinic. I have recently become aware that the parents of a 10-year-old patient have divorced. The father is now requesting a copy of the child’s health records. Is he entitled to receive a copy of the records? What should I do? Answer: ...
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Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, YouTube, and LinkedIn allow us to communicate in real-time with “friends”, “followers” or the public. Nurses may use these sites as research and educational tools, for information sharing and as a way to network or socialize. Understanding the legal considerations involved in using social...
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Question: Lately, I have been using my personal smartphone to text updates to physicians regarding patients. Is this practice acceptable? Answer: Mobile devices offer nurses and other healthcare professionals a convenient, user-friendly way to communicate with each other. Texting is fast, direct and simplifies the pager system that hospitals and other health care organizations have...
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