For this Discussion, you will post an explanation that defines the legal implications for standard of care, the key components of a malpractice policy in regard to a case study.

Case Study One: Dismissing the non-compliant patient.

Summary: Gwen, a 52-year-old Caucasian LPN, recently joined your practice as a new patient. She has a BMI of 32, B/P of 142/88, pulse of 89, respiratory rate of 22, and pulse ox of 96% on room air. She is taking Lisinopril 10mg po daily (when she can remember), Metformin 1000mg po BID, and refuses lab work. Her physical exam is unremarkable, and her foot exam is normal. She refuses all vaccinations, including Prevnar and Influenza. Gwen’s last mammogram and pap smear were “years ago.”

Legal implications for standard of care: The standard of care requires healthcare providers to provide patients with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their health. Providers are also responsible for educating their patients about the importance of preventive care and conducting necessary screening tests. In Gwen’s case, her refusal to comply with recommended preventive care and diagnostic tests puts her at risk for complications that could have been prevented with early intervention. As a healthcare provider, it is essential to document and communicate with the patient the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Key components of a malpractice policy: The key components of a malpractice policy include coverage limits, deductible amounts, and defense cost coverage. The policy should also cover all healthcare services offered by the provider, including preventive care, diagnostic tests, and treatment. Malpractice insurance provides financial protection to the provider if a patient files a lawsuit for damages resulting from negligence or malpractice. In Gwen’s case, the provider should ensure that they have adequate malpractice insurance coverage to protect themselves from potential lawsuits resulting from her non-compliance.

Collaborative agreements and knowledge of rules for NP practice: In New York State, Nurse Practitioners have full practice authority, and there are no collaborative agreements required with physicians. However, NPs must meet specific education, certification, and practice requirements to practice independently. Additionally, they are required to follow the state laws and regulations regarding the prescription of controlled substances, which includes complying with any changes to the drug schedules. In the case of Gwen, the NP would be unable to prescribe hydrocodone-containing drugs as they have been reclassified as Schedule II drugs by the federal government, impacting NPs in states that allowed for NPs to write Schedule III-V drugs. The NP should be aware of any changes in the state and federal legislation that impact their scope of practice.

Reference: New York State Office of the Professions. (2023). Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved from https://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nursepractitioner.htm