This issue letter describes the authority of states to regulate CSAs, describes the types of state laws and activities that currently affect CSAs, and provides considerations for employers who use CSA services. Earning a Master`s degree in Public Health is a way for students and professionals to expand their employment opportunities mid-career and explore different avenues in the fields of community health and public health. Earning a graduate degree can not only help candidates stand out during the application process, but also forms the foundation for taking on leadership roles. It is not uncommon to read about a nurse convicted of a crime and later find that the state nursing authority has scheduled a hearing to determine whether the nurse`s licence should be revoked or suspended. Some offences may be grounds for loss of a professional licence if the conduct can reasonably be associated with the nurse`s professional liability. Drug abuse offences may result in the suspension of a community or public health nurse`s licence until proof is provided that the nurse is no longer using the substance in question. Because nurses are able to influence the health and safety of consumers, nurses` personal habits and behavior are associated with their professional license. Rules and regulations are established by government administrative bodies, such as licensing authorities and regulatory bodies. Administrative agencies, including state nursing offices and health departments, are made up of experts in the field who are considered to be better prepared than the average layman to make decisions about specific rules and regulations for safe practice. The power to make rules and regulations is delegated by the government legislature to the administrative body – Congress for federal rules and regulations and state legislatures for state rules and regulations (Figure 6-1). These are just a few examples of careers in public health, but they help illustrate the wide range of fields and the wide range of employment opportunities for those with the right qualifications. They also show how important the work of health professionals can be in helping people live healthier lives.
But what about the health professions in the community? The overall health of each community often depends on these non-medical characteristics. These factors are called social determinants of health by groups such as the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the American Hospital Association. Health professionals ensure that high-risk communities have access to the information, health services and support networks they need to lead happier and healthier lives. This could include the creation of new measures to improve a community`s access to education, reduce unemployment or improve public safety. Official (state) health authorities often enforce laws, in addition to providing health services; Nurses working in these agencies are often part of this enforcement process. This chapter provides a general description of legal issues related to community and public health care and discusses the rights of the public and clients, as well as the rights of nurses. It is important that nurses are aware of the laws for which they are held accountable. Federal laws and regulations apply to individuals throughout the United States, while state and local laws apply in respective state and local jurisdictions. For example, government or public bodies could be protected by limited immunity laws, while private bodies might not be included in this legal protection.
The facts and legal issues of the case law serve to assess possible liability and are constantly evolving. Community and health nurses are responsible for understanding the federal and state laws regarding their practice. When can a community or health nurse not be covered by the employer`s professional liability insurance? To what extent are the legal and ethical issues the same and different? There are many public health laws enacted by state legislators that are relevant to nurses in the community/public health care. The statutes aim to protect the rights of the healthcare provider and the consumer. Nursing practice laws are a general framework that defines the legal scope of nursing practice in each state. Public health nurses are responsible for working within this legal framework. Protecting professional practice means avoiding compromises in positions where one is supposed to practice outside the nursing framework. The Nursing Practice Act of each state is available on the Internet, as well as through employers, the State Nurses Association and the State Nursing Committee. The roles and activities of Community Health Workers (CHWs) are tailored to the unique needs of the communities they serve. The role of a BHW also depends on factors, such as whether it is active in the health sector or in the social sector.
In general, CHWs have the following roles: Federal legislation is important to the practice of community and health nurses.