Greetings, Delaware Nurses!
As Guest Editor for this edition of the DNA Reporter, I am honored to serve once again. Understanding the legal and ethical dimensions of our work remains paramount, and I trust you found the articles in last quarter’s edition useful. In this issue, we have curated five articles that share valuable insights related to the legal considerations of nursing informatics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
Dr. Jacqueline Mainwaring kicks things off with an in-depth exploration of legal and practice considerations for nurse anesthetists, including licensure, Delaware-specific advocacy efforts, and billing. Dr. Victoria Blucher and I then discuss how to properly end an APRN-patient relationship while adhering to the Delaware Code. Next, Attorney Nicole Ballenger and I advance the discussion with valuable telehealth insight, including licensing and documentation requirements for nurses and APRNs.
Legal nurse consultant Dr. Kara DiCecco then provides an evidence-based insight into the medical-legal implications of AI. She highlights the paucity of legal precedent in AI-related cases and raises important ethical considerations for healthcare professionals should bear in mind. Finally, the edition concludes with a thought-provoking article by Dr. Teresa Niblett, who explores the legal risks associated with healthcare technology from the perspective of a nurse informaticist.
I trust you will find these articles both informative and applicable to your practice throughout the State of Delaware and beyond. I encourage you to reflect on how these legal insights can enhance your practice and contribute to the safety and well-being of your patients.
Happy reading!
