Legal issues for case managers: What you don't know can hurt you

Recent changes in health care delivery systems have provided nurses with the opportunity to practice in a variety of roles, many of which allow for increased responsibility and independence. With autonomy and responsibility, however, comes increased exposure to legal liability. Nurses need to understand basic legal principles and pertinent state and federal laws if they are to meet the standard of care. Nurse case managers epitomize the qualities of the autonomous nurse and as specialists, must have greater knowledge as they will be held to a higher standard of care than generalists.