NR 506 Week 2 Case Study

NR 506 Week 2 Case Study

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-506: Healthcare Policy

Prof. Name

Date

NR 506 Week 2: Organizational Change and Ethical-Legal Influences in Advanced Practice Nursing Case Study

Case Study Questions

1. What are the potential ethical and legal implications for each of the following practice members?

In this case study, several ethical and legal issues arise for the members of the healthcare team, highlighting the need for accountability, adherence to professional boundaries, and compliance with both clinical and legal standards. Each team member—the medical assistant, nurse practitioner, and medical director—has unique responsibilities and corresponding implications.

The following table summarizes these ethical and legal implications:

Overall, while the medical assistant committed the direct ethical and legal violations, both the nurse practitioner and the medical director bear supervisory responsibility and share accountability for ensuring appropriate oversight and adherence to professional standards.

2. What strategies would you implement to prevent further episodes of potentially illegal behavior?

To prevent future occurrences of unethical or illegal behavior within the clinical setting, several proactive and preventive strategies should be implemented:

Ongoing Education and Training

Regularly reinforce state-specific scope of practice laws through mandatory workshops and training sessions. All staff members must be well-informed about licensing boundaries, patient safety protocols, and prohibited actions.

Credentialing and Background Checks

Ensure that all employees maintain updated licenses and certifications. Conduct routine background checks to verify compliance, integrity, and professional standards.

Clear Policies and Protocols

Establish standardized procedures for prescription renewals, staff supervision, and role boundaries. Review these policies periodically to ensure alignment with current regulations and professional standards.

Contracts and Role Agreements

Use written agreements that clearly define job responsibilities, scope of practice, and accountability measures to minimize confusion and prevent overstepping of professional boundaries.

Malpractice Liability Insurance

Encourage all providers to maintain personal malpractice insurance to safeguard themselves against unintended clinical errors (Emergency Care Research Institute, 2015).

Fostering a Culture of Safety

Develop an open, supportive culture where staff feel comfortable reporting errors, near-misses, or ethical concerns without fear of punishment. Promoting transparency strengthens patient safety and ethical accountability.

Implementing these strategies not only mitigates the risk of ethical and legal breaches but also fosters a compliant, safe, and professional healthcare environment for both patients and providers.

3. What leadership qualities would you apply to effect a positive change in the practice? Be thinking about the culture of the practice.

As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), effective leadership is vital for promoting a culture of safety, integrity, and professional excellence. The following leadership qualities are essential for implementing positive change:

Collaboration and Teamwork

Encouraging open communication, respect, and shared decision-making among all team members strengthens trust and supports patient-centered care.

Coaching and Mentorship

Providing mentorship opportunities promotes professional growth, accountability, and adherence to ethical practice standards. This approach enhances staff confidence and reduces errors.

Policy Knowledge and Advocacy

Having a comprehensive understanding of healthcare policies, ethical frameworks, and scope of practice laws ensures that all changes are compliant, evidence-based, and ethically sound.

Ethical Decision-Making

Applying moral reasoning and fairness in resolving conflicts reinforces justice, transparency, and ethical conduct across the organization.

Evidence-Based Leadership

Integrating current research findings and best practices into leadership decisions ensures effective organizational improvement and strengthens the credibility of the practice (Heinen, van Oostveen, Peters, Vermeulen, & Huis, 2019).

By cultivating integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning, leaders can establish a culture that prioritizes ethical behavior, enhances patient outcomes, and preserves the professional reputation of the healthcare organization.

References

Cornell Law School: Legal Information Institute. (2020). Respondeat superior. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/respondeat_superior

Emergency Care Research Institute. (2015). Scope of practice laws for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. https://www.ecri.org/components/PPRM/Pages/LB5.aspx?tab=2

NR 506 Week 2 Case Study

Heinen, M., van Oostveen, C., Peters, J., Vermeulen, H., & Huis, A. (2019). An integrative review of leadership competencies and attributes in advanced nursing practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(11), 2378–2392. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14092

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification: New Hampshire Board of Nursing. (2017). Statements related to lying, fraud, theft. https://www.oplc.nh.gov/nursing/lying-fraud-theft.htm