Finding Medical Practice Laws Pre-Mission Trip

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in too many to name.

Any ideas on where to find nursing/medical practice laws before going on short mission trips (esp. Mexico)? I'm sure they have something, but searches online yield nothing. I don't want trouble in Mexico. Consulates don't know medicine, but if all else fails I'll ask them. I don't want guesses from the team that went this year, but facts. Thank you.

If you are going with an organization wouldn't they be able to offer any helpful advice?

Specializes in ER, ICU.

This is not legal advice, but in my opinion just stay within your scope of practice and you'll be fine. There is no way any patient is going to sue you. Just as an aside to the type of facilities you might see, I did a mission trip to Nicaragua and we had to hang fly paper in the OR. If a provider offers to let you do something out of scope, and you feel comfortable, you are acting under their direct supervision. I agree with the previous poster that just follow the guidelines of the agency.

Specializes in too many to name.

I really need actual nurse practice law for Mexico, because a good guess may not be good enough. Scope of practice varies quite a bit just between states, which I saw between NE, LA, HI, and TX, much less a 2nd world country. This small operation does not have big organizational backing.

Specializes in ED, CTSurg, IVTeam, Oncology.
I really need actual nurse practice law for Mexico, because a good guess may not be good enough. Scope of practice varies quite a bit just between states, which I saw between NE, LA, HI, and TX, much less a 2nd world country. This small operation does not have big organizational backing.

IMHO, I think what you're looking for is a state (here specifically meaning sovereign nation, not provincial government) sanctioned authorization to do so, and waiver from liability of as an unlicensed foreign national practicing nursing while you're there. Normally, provincial and local educational requirements cannot be dismissed, forgiven, or excused, unless there is an overriding authority that grants it (in view of a special need); ie such as that as determined by the national or federal government. In the US, the supreme decision maker in dealing with foreign nationals, and what they can and cannot do while on US soil, is the US Department of State. I suspect that Mexico's federal counterpart would likely be the body that could grant such similar exemptions. I suggest that you contact them by email or written letter.

In general, from all that I've encountered (read about, worked on, or been told of), the general expectation is that you perform within the scope of your professional nursing practice as if you were working your regular job.

That said, given the degree of gun and drug gang violence present in some areas of Mexico; I applaud your courage in even considering such a venue. Good luck with all that you do! :up:

Specializes in too many to name.

Thank you, that is probably the route to go.

I am concerned about the cartels, but so far the people going haven't had problems.

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