Highlights
- •The growing role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners is discussed.
- •Liability risks for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are reviewed.
- •Recommendations to ensure best practices and avoid legal issues are suggested.
Abstract
Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners play a key role in providing care to
patients with mental illness. This role is increasing caused in part by a nationwide
shortage of psychiatrists, as well as a lack of primary care physicians trained in
basic psychiatric services. However, with increased clinical responsibilities come
important legal considerations. Psychiatric nurse practitioners should become familiar
with legal issues surrounding this practice area in order to ensure best practices
for patients and to avoid malpractice litigation and licensing issues.
Keywords
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References
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Biography
Melanie L. Balestra, JD, MSN, PNP, works at the Law Offices of Melanie L. Balestra in Irvine, CA. She is available at .
Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 29, 2018
Footnotes
In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the author reports no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
