Legal issues concerning occupational health practice are frequently voiced; therefore, occupational health nurse practitioners (OHNPs) must systematically examine the legal basis for their actions. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the legal scope of practice for OHNPs. The following topics pertaining to OHNP practice will be discussed: State practice acts, negligence, nurse-physician relationships, education and certification, record keeping, confidentiality of medical records, and workers' compensation. Without knowledge of this information, OHNPs cannot hope to legitimize their expanded roles.
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