Liability Risks for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners play a key role in providing care to patients with mental illness. This role is increasing caused in part by a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists, as well as a lack of primary care physicians trained in basic psychiatric services. However, with increased clinical responsibilities come important legal considerations. Psychiatric nurse practitioners should become familiar with legal issues surrounding this practice area in order to ensure best practices for patients and to avoid malpractice litigation and licensing issues.