07/22/2021
“A legal nurse consultant is a registered nurse who uses expertise as a health care provider and specialized training to consult on medical-related legal cases. Legal nurse consultants assist attorneys in reading medical records and understanding medical terminology and healthcare issues to achieve the best results for their clients.[1] The specialty is a relatively recent one, beginning in the mid-1980s.[2]
A legal nurse consultant bridges gaps in an attorney's knowledge. While the attorney is an expert on legal issues, the legal nurse consultant is an expert on nursing and the health care system. A legal nurse consultant screens cases for merit, assists with discovery, conducts the existing literature and medical research, reviews medical records, identifies standards of care, prepares reports and summaries on the extent of injury or illness, creates demonstrative evidence, and locates or acts as an expert witness. The legal nurse consultant acts as a specialized I member of the litigation team whose professional contributions are often critical to achieving a fair and just outcome for all parties.[1]
A legal nurse consultant differs from a paralegal in that a paralegal assists attorneys in the delivery of legal services and frequently requires a legal education, while a legal nurse consultant is first and foremost a practitioner of nursing, and legal education is not necessarily a prerequisite. A legal nurse consultant uses existing expertise as a health care professional to consult and educate clients on specific medical and nursing issues in their cases.
Aside from within law firms, legal nurse consultants may also work for government agencies, insurance companies and health maintenance organizations, in hospitals as part of the risk management department, and may also be in independent practice.[1]”
Notes
^ a b c "What is an LNC?" on the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants website
^ a b c d Murphy, Kate (February 18, 2001). "Private sector: From hospital to law office". New York Times.
^ "Mission and Goals" on the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants website
^ "Codes of Ethics"[permanent dead link] on the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants website
^ "LNCC" Archived 2012-06-30 at the Wayback Machine on the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants website
