What is a Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC)?

A legal nurse consultant (LNC) is a registered nurse who uses current medical expertise and has specialized training in the legal field so that they are able to consult in medical related cases.

Why would somebody want to become a legal nurse consultant? The legal nurse consultant profession provides an array of challenges and a rewarding experience that in fact is what most certified legal nurse consultants enjoy, the constant challenge of being on their toes and the dynamic legal environment.

A legal nurse consultant may come across several medical practice cases including civil, contract, criminal, and tort law. When a case goes to court, it could be a result of lack of communication, treatment or diagnostic errors, lack of supervision, or improperly medicated, just to name a few. As a legal nurse consultant it will be your job to act as a liaison between clients, physicians and attorneys, perform research on necessary literature and evidence to make a determination on a case. There are also times when a legal nurse consultant will need to provide reports, testify in court, and perform hours of intensive research.

So, if you are searching for an exciting career as a certified legal nurse consultant, we are here to help you reach that goal. If you want to find out which schools offer programs for nurses or take some specialized courses, see our education page for more information.

Legal Nurse Consultant Areas of Practice

There are several areas of practice that legal nurse consultants may work in. Those areas of expertise include the following:

. Elder law
. Toxic torts
. Criminal law
. Personal injury
. Product liability
. Risk management
. Medical malpractice
. Workers' compensation
. Fraud and abuse, compliance
. Medical licensure investigation

Legal Nurse Consultant Code of Ethics

As a legal nurse consultant you will be required to follow a standard code of ethics. The legal nurse consultant code of ethics is as follows provided by the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants:

Legal Nurse Consultant Code of Ethics

1. The legal nurse consultant does not discriminate against any person based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, social status, or disability and does not let personal attitudes interfere with professional performance. Individual differences do not influence professional performance and practice. These factors are understood, considered, and respected when performing activities.

2. The legal nurse consultant performs as a consultant or an expert with the highest degree of integrity. Integrity refers to uprightness, honesty, and sincerity. The legal nurse consultant directs those attributes to the requirements of the profession. Integrity is a personal and sacred trust and the standard against which the legal nurse consultant must ultimately test all decisions. Honest errors and differences of opinion may occur, but deceit, poor judgment, or lack of principles must not be tolerated.

3. The legal nurse consultant uses informed judgment, objectivity, and individual competence as criteria when accepting assignments. The legal nurse consultant does not purport to be competent in matters in which he or she has limited knowledge or experience. Only services that meet high personal and professional standards are offered or performed.

4. The legal nurse consultant maintains standards of personal conduct that reflect honorably upon the profession. The legal nurse consultant abides by all federal and state laws. The legal nurse consultant who knowingly becomes involved in unethical or illegal activities negates professional responsibility for personal interest or personal gain. Such activities jeopardize the public confidence and trust in the nursing profession.

5. The legal nurse consultant provides professional services with objectivity. The legal nurse consultant provides services free of personal prejudice and conflict of interest. The legal nurse consultant reflects on all current assignments and commitments before accepting assignments, making decisions, rendering opinions, or providing recommendations. Personal prejudices and conflicts of interest must be recognized, as they may interfere with objectivity and adversely affect performance.

6. The legal nurse consultant protects client privacy and confidentiality. The legal nurse consultant uses confidential materials with discretion. The legal nurse consultant respects and protects the privacy of the client. The legal nurse consultant does not use any client information for personal gain.

7. The legal nurse consultant is accountable for responsibilities accepted and actions performed.

8. The legal nurse consultant maintains professional nursing competence. The legal nurse consultant is a registered nurse and maintains an active nursing license. The legal nurse consultant is knowledgeable about the current scope of nursing practice and the standards of the profession. The legal nurse consultant does not practice law.