Nurses in Michigan must work long hours and cater to a diverse range of individuals, from doctors to patients, and sometimes even manage challenging situations. Nurses have to juggle multiple responsibilities at once, from informing doctors of emergencies, monitoring patients regularly, and helping them with food and medications. As a nurse in Michigan, you must focus on giving your best for your job. However, it is equally important to protect yourself from potential legal complications that may arise. Let us explore some of the key things every nurse in Michigan should know to ensure legal safety on the job, and what to do for malpractice protection in Michigan.
Best Practices to Ensure Legal Safety for Nurses in Michigan
When it comes to nursing, even one small mistake made in the course of your day can cost a lot. Legal trouble can arise from multiple incidences of irresponsibility and insincerity; hence, nurses should be very careful to stay safe at work. Every nurse in Michigan should be aware of workplace rights and what to do if they ever have to face a legal issue.
1) Understanding your scope of practice
Whether RN, LPN, or APRN, every nurse in Michigan must know and follow the scope of practice that has been defined by the Michigan Public Health Code and the Michigan Board of Nursing. This means that nurses should only restrict themselves to the tasks that they are legally allowed to perform. For example, an RN may administer specific types of medicine that an LPN is not authorized to. If a nurse does something outside their scope of practice, there is a chance that they have to face disciplinary action, or even lawsuits.
2) Careful documentation
Sincere documentation is the best legal defense for any nurse in Michigan. Always remember to chart everything, promptly and accurately, avoiding any vague statements. Make notes of all your patient interactions, treatments, and the medications given and any changes in their condition. Never alter the records after the fact. In case you make a mistake, follow the protocol at your workplace to make corrections as needed. Destroying or falsifying records can be considered a serious offense.
3) Protection of patient privacy
Michigan nurses have to follow HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to protect the privacy of patients. Nurses should not be discussing patient information in any public area, on social media platforms, or with unauthorized parties. For example, even a casual comment made in an elevator or a Facebook post made about a “funny patient story”, even if it is anonymous, can violate HIPAA if someone identifies the patient. Privacy violations can lead to fines, loss of your job, and even suspension of license.
4) Maintaining professional boundaries
Another thing very important for Michigan nurses to follow if they want to avoid legal complications is to create boundaries with patients and their families. Being in close quarters, many nurses may develop strong bonds with patients they cater to, and their families. But getting too personal can lead to legal issues. For this, nurses should be careful not to receive expensive gifts or large sums of money from patients and their well-wishers. They should also avoid any personal relationships with patients outside the ones inevitably developing owing to the provision of professional care. If patients offer to stay in touch after discharge, or want to offer money, draw the line and decline politely by explaining your need for maintaining professional boundaries.
5) Staying alert to medication safety
Medication errors are one of the most frequent causes of malpractice claims made against nurses. This is why every nurse should be careful to follow the “Five Rights” of medication administration – the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. If you suspect a medication order to be wrong or dangerous, inform concerned authorities as soon as possible, whether the prescribing doctor or supervisor. This can minimize the chances of legal repercussions.
Conclusion
Nursing is one of the most trusted professions, and the health and vulnerability of patients often depends on the sincerity and responsibility with which nurses perform their job. This is also why any irresponsibility in nursing can lead to serious legal repercussions and potential unemployment for a long time. Knowing your legal responsibilities, staying within your scope of practice, and documenting every interaction helps nurses to provide safe and ethical care while ensuring legal safety for themselves. In case you face any legal issue, you should always plan to ensure malpractice protection in Michigan.
