Question

Evaluate standards of care and potential liability for health care professionals and organizations. ( Long-term care manger)

Answer 1

Standard of care differs from one state to another state and this is determined by the regulations in place in the state. For instance a particular state has laid down and itemized certain tasks that a licensed nurse is allowed to do when it comes to administration of medication. Disciplinary actions will follow if this is violated in any manner. The standard of care, in a generalized basis, consists of proper delegation of professional responsibilities and only performing those activities that are permitted by law and for which the health care professional is well prepared through his/her education in this field.

In this context any kind of negligence may lead to serious potential liability. Individual health care professionals and workers have a major risk of a potential liability in case they are negligent in their work and in the discharge of their duties. For instance individual health care professionals and workers will be held liable if they leave the patient unattended. Another liability in the health care system is the failure to report abuse. A care giver is required to report any form of abuse under the APS law i.e. adult protective services law. If this abuse is not reported then it can lead to both civil as well as criminal liability for the health care professionals and organizations.