Assignment Study Case : Nursing Laws And Regulations In The United States

Amelia Roses (UNC2021-5678) Bachelor of Science in Nursing ASSIGNMENT STUDY CASE : NURSING LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES 1. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works at a busy clinic and is pressured by the doctor to perform tasks outside their scope of practice, such as administering certain medications. How should the LPN navigate this situation while following legal regulations and ensuring patient safety? ➢ This situation presents a conflict between following a doctor's orders and adhering to the LPN's scope of practice. The LPN should politely but firmly explain that the tasks fall outside their licensure and could potentially harm the patient. The LPN can suggest consulting a Registered Nurse (RN) or the doctor to clarify the situation. Additionally, they can document the conversation and their concerns to protect themselves legally. 2. You are a Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in California but considering a job opportunity in Texas. How does the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) benefit you in this situation, and are there any limitations to consider? ➢ The NLC benefits you by simplifying the process of working as an RN in Texas. As long as California and Texas are both NLC members, you wouldn't need to obtain a separate license in Texas. However, it's important to verify if there are any additional requirements or fees associated with practicing under the NLC in Texas. 3. A nurse suspects a patient is neglecting their child. However, the patient has not disclosed any information about the child and the nurse is unsure if reporting the suspicion violates HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy regulations. How can the nurse balance their ethical responsibility to the child with patient privacy rights? ➢ This situation requires a delicate balance between ethics and legal obligations. The nurse can try to gather more information from the patient in a non-judgmental way, exploring concerns about the child's well-being. If the nurse still suspects neglect, they should consult with their supervisor or facility social worker to determine the best course of action. Most states have mandatory reporting laws for suspected child abuse or neglect, and these may supersede HIPAA in certain situations. 4. Telehealth services using video conferencing are becoming increasingly popular. How do current nursing laws and regulations address the use of telehealth, and are there any areas that may need to be updated to accommodate these advancements? ➢ Telehealth regulations are evolving as technology advances. Some states have specific regulations for telehealth nursing practice, while others rely on broader interpretations of existing laws. Nurses using telehealth should ensure they comply with their state's regulations and practice standards. As telehealth becomes more widespread, we can expect further development and refinement of regulations to address these advancements. 5. You are a qualified nurse from another country interested in working in the United States. What are the biggest challenges you might face regarding licensure and compliance with US nursing regulations? ➢ The biggest challenges for foreign-educated nurses involve obtaining a US nursing license. You may need to take additional coursework or exams to demonstrate competency with US nursing standards. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) offers resources and guidance for this process. Additionally, understanding and complying with the specific nursing laws and regulations of the state where you intend to practice is crucial.