NR 582 Week 5

NR 582 Week 5

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-582: Leadership and Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice

Prof. Name:

Date

Ethical and Legal Implications in Healthcare Practice

In the given scenario, a medical assistant prescribed amoxicillin under the nurse practitioner’s name without proper authorization. This raises ethical and legal concerns at multiple levels of the healthcare system. At the micro-level, the medical assistant acted beyond the scope of practice, which could lead to professional sanctions, including revocation of credentials (American Association of Medical Assistants [AAMA], n.d.). The ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence were also compromised, as unauthorized prescriptions could result in patient harm due to incorrect dosing, drug interactions, or allergies (Haddad & Geiger, 2020). At the meso-level, the nurse practitioner faces potential legal repercussions because the prescription was issued under their name. If a patient experienced an adverse reaction, liability would fall on the provider, potentially leading to disciplinary actions such as fines, restrictions on practice, or public reprimands (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2021). At the macro-level, the healthcare organization could face compliance issues and potential legal risks. The medical director may be held accountable, especially in states where nurse practitioners do not have full practice authority. Legal consequences could include licensure board complaints, malpractice lawsuits, or regulatory penalties (Trulove, 2015).

Preventative Measures and Change Implementation

To prevent similar incidents, it is essential to implement structured guidelines and educational programs for medical assistants regarding their scope of practice. Healthcare facilities should provide training on legal and ethical responsibilities, ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. Coaching the medical assistant involved requires a balanced approach that fosters accountability while maintaining a supportive environment. Identifying the root cause of the error, whether it stems from a lack of knowledge, miscommunication, or workflow inefficiencies, can help prevent future mistakes. Transparent discussions and clear documentation of prescribing protocols should be emphasized in staff meetings. To introduce these changes effectively, Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change is the most suitable framework. This model consists of three stages: unfreezing, which involves recognizing and addressing resistance to change; changing, where new policies and training programs are introduced; and refreezing, which solidifies these practices into the organization’s culture (Haddad & Geiger, 2020). This structured approach ensures that modifications in workflow are sustained over time.

Challenges and Facilitators in the Change Process

One significant barrier to implementing change is resistance from employees. Staff members may be hesitant to adopt new protocols due to ingrained habits, workload concerns, or a lack of understanding of the necessity for change. Addressing this resistance requires clear communication, ongoing education, and involving staff in decision-making processes. Conversely, organizational support and leadership commitment act as facilitators in successfully implementing change. Providing continuous training, reinforcing the importance of ethical practices, and establishing a culture of accountability can ensure adherence to new policies. The refreezing stage in Lewin’s model is crucial for maintaining these changes, requiring updates to protocols, consistent monitoring, and recognition of compliance efforts (Kelly, 2022).

NR 582 Week 5

References

• American Association of Medical Assistants. (n.d.). What is a medical assistant? https://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant
• Haddad, L. M., & Geiger, R. A. (2020). Nursing ethical considerations. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2021). Disciplinary actions in nursing. https://www.ncsbn.org
• Trulove, W. G. (2015). Legal issues for the medical director. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 10(9), 1651–1655. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.06440614
• Kelly, A. M. (2022). Transformational leadership behaviors: How medical assistants describe organizational culture and job satisfaction. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.