Periodically reviewing the scope of practice for nurses,
Attending relevant continuing education programs to upgrade clinical skills,
Observing all facility policies and procedures when providing care,
Maintaining liability insurance independent of that provided by the facility.
The three major areas of focus in the call to action are to prevent injuries, improve communication, and examine mechanisms for injury compensation. Nurses then can reduce the risk of malpractice claims by practicing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act, observing agency policies and procedures, using evidence-based practice, always putting patient rights and welfare first, being aware of relevant law and legal doctrines and combine such with the biological, psychological, and social sciences that form the basis of all rational nursing decisions, practicing within the area of individual competence, and upgrading technical skills consistently by attending continuing education programs and seeking specialty certification. Nurses should also purchase their own liability insurance and understand the limits of their policies. Although this will not prevent a malpractice suit, it should help protect a nurse from financial ruin should there be a malpractice claim. Obtaining a patient consent for all care is not necessary and won't protect against the omission of appropriate care.