Is this legal?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

I just recieved an offer for my dream job. It is for a National online magazine that wants me to contribute as an medical expert, within my scope of course. I can work from home and answer health questions online. This sounds wonderful and I am very excited. But can I legally give advice? How can this be legal?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would compair the job description to the scope of practice in your state that you are licensed in. Then I would find out who reviews your articles, or who you report to.

I would have to say that if you are not diagnosing or giving 'medical' advice, than it sounds like a nice position. But there is such a grey area - I'd really need to know more about the expectations of the job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

I think you are correct, and I hope so. I REALLY need this. I will have to look it up in my state's regulations, but I'm thinking this is going to be okay. Thank you so much for answering me, I really needed to hear it from someone else.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Orthosurgery, Rehab, Homecare.

Not to be a party pooper, but I would check on too, just to be sure. You might be able to get the job to pay for it.

~Jen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.
Not to be a party pooper, but I would check on liability insurance too, just to be sure. You might be able to get the job to pay for it.

~Jen

Jen, great idea. Thank you! You are not a party pooper. Any advice you all can give me I will greatly appreciate. After all, I want to be sure to cover all my bases and not do anything that could jeopardize my license. Thanks.:kiss

Up Vote Up Vote ×

check with the state board, also.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case Management.

I think you could have a general "disclaimer" somewhere in the header or footer of your piece. Just stating " any advise or information provided should never take the place of consulting your primary health care provider, always consult your doctor regarding your concerns" something like that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Also, stay in contact with the online magazine's legal department.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

Thank you all for your advice. I checked the statutes for my state and it wasn't very clear, so I emailed them and asked them to tell me where to find the specific statutes that relate to this dilemma. I also asked them for any advice on the subject. I plan to keep the statutes on hand at all times so I never overstep my bounds.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

as a telephone triage nurse I used to keep it very generic, let them tell their story or vent, then refer to health care professional. Do not try to be the MD. If they are really concerned they need to see someone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

Thanks for your input, Classicdame.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment