raduda

edited by The Moderator to remove advertising. I hate to do this guys and gals... let's try to be careful and be respectful of the TOS (terms of service) of this bulletin board. PM me if you have any questions. nightngale1998

Cutting and trimming nails in most states is regulated by the medical, nursing, or cosmetology practice acts. I found out when I started my foot care business that when I painted a clients nails in the past I was actually functioning outside the scope of my practice as a nurse! Only licensed cosmetologists can legally do this for others. Also some years ago in the podiatrists in the state of Michigan brought a law suit against 2 nurses who want to open a foot care clinic. At first the AG stunningly ruled in favor of the DPMs and said nurses could not touch peoples feet from the knees down! However after intervention by the Michigan Nurses Association on these nurses behalf - the AG finally had to overturn his ruling. These nurses lost a lot of money in the process. Needless to say you must know alot to open a business of this - or any type - no matter how simple you think it may be... And also you must keep up on the law and current events. I also highly recommend nurses be very involved with thier state nurses associations so they can assist in watchdogging for legislation from outside sources (hospitals, doctors, massage therapists, PTs, +++) that want to control nursing practice. Remember - we nurses are great revenue generators - lets not let others take our hard earned money - and more importantly - set our standards of care!

Yes LPN/LVNs can do foot care - which I did when I was one in the nursing home. However they must do this under the supervision of a RN or doctor according to state laws / Nurse Practice Acts. This means they can not be in an independent business providing this nursing service. If they are - they are liable to be committing tax fraud and malpractice. They risk losing thier nursing license and will not be covered by thier insurance company if anything happens to a client...

Before you spend money and start a shoe business please read this research article at: http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/highlights/pr_05_14_02_questions_diabetic_footwear.cfm I highly doubt Medicare will continue to pay for Diabetic Shoes & Inserts for much longer with kind of research! Oh BTW there several qualified nurses doing foot care & trainining for RNs here in the United States. Just search under "Nurses Foot Care" ...

I am looking for any nurses who are self-employed providing services to the elderly. I am especially interested in sharing effective business/marketing strategies with this population.