Description:

In this course, students will examine the functions of legal nurse consultants and available career opportunities, including relevant issues regarding employment and independent contracting. 1 hr. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the function of the LNC as a liaison between legal personnel and health care industry personnel.
2. Identify and describe the various settings in which an LNC might provide professional services.
3. Describe the role of the LNC as a member of the legal team in the law firm environment.
4. Identify and describe representative activities performed by the LNC as a litigation support consultant.
5. Describe the role of the LNC in the insurance industry environment, and identify representative activities performed by the LNC in this setting.
6. Describe the role of the LNC in a health-care risk management department, and identify representative activities performed by the LNC in this setting.
7. Describe the role of the LNC in the government agency environment, and identify representative activities performed by the LNC in this setting.
8. Differentiate between the role of the “consultant” and the role of the “independent expert witness,” and explain the function of the LNC as “testifying expert witness.”
9. Identify and describe the sources of applicable “codes of professional conduct,” and explain their significance for the LNC.
10. Identify and describe the professional organizations which are relevant to the LNC, and how participation in these organizations can benefit the LNC.
11. Define and differentiate between the “employer-employee” relationship and the independent contractor, and explain the legal and practical consequences of each.
12. Design and implement an effective job-search plan.
13. List and explain the steps to be followed in establishing a professional consulting business.
14. Design and implement an effective marketing plan.
15. Design and implement an effective business and financial-management plan.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Nature and Scope of the LNC Profession
   A. Definition of a Legal Nurse Consultant
      1. Explain how the LNC functions as a liaison between legal
personnel and health care industry personnel.
      2. Identify and explain representative types of activities which
might be performed by an LNC.
   B. Work environment
      1. Identify and describe the various settings in which an LNC might
provide professional services.
      2. Identify and describe the types of work relationships (employee
vs. independent contractor) available to the LNC.

II. Practice Environments
   A. The role of the LNC in the law firm environment
      1. Describe the structure of the “typical” law firm.
      2. Define and describe the concept of the “legal team.”
      3. Identify the various areas of litigation practice in which
utilization of an LNC is relevant, including both civil and criminal
litigation matters.
      4. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in researching legal and
medical literature.
      5. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in drafting or analyzing
pleadings, motions and discovery materials.
      6. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in organizing,
reviewing, and summarizing medical records.
      7. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in drafting
correspondence with health care personnel and experts.
      8. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the analysis of
medical-related claims.
      9. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the analysis of
medical-related factual information.
     10. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the identification of
and communication with experts (including medical experts, economic
experts, etc.).
     11. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the analysis of
damages.
     12. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the collection of
medical-related evidence.
     13. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in witness interviewing
and preparation.
     14. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the development of a
life-care plan.
     15. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in trial preparation.
     16. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in the preparation of
medical-related trial exhibits.
     17. Identify and explain how the LNC assists in enhancing the
attorney’s understanding of medical-related issues and information.
   B. The role of the LNC in the insurance company environment
      1. Define and explain the concept of insurance (i.e., contractual
arrangement).
      2. Identify and describe types of coverage and insurance products.
      3. Explain the regulation of the insurance industry.
      4. Identify and describe practical applications and occupational
options for the LNC.
      5. Describe the role of the LNC and representative professional
activities which might be performed in this setting.
   C. The role of the LNC in a health-care risk management department
      1. Define and explain the nature and function of risk management.
      2. Identify and describe the components of risk management.
      3. Identify and describe licensing and certification issues.
      4. Identify and describe specific settings in which an LNC might be
utilized, including risk management departments of health care facility or
groups.
      5. Describe the role of the LNC and representative professional
activities which might be performed in this setting.
   D. The role of the LNC in the government agency environment
      1. Explain how the LNC functions as a support member of governmental
regulatory agencies and departments.
      2. Identify representative agencies engaged in providing or
evaluating health care delivery to individuals.
      3. Describe applicable legislative mandates and typical agency
functions and responsibilities.
      4. Identify and describe the role of the LNC and representative
professional activities which might be performed in this setting.
   E. The LNC as “testifying expert witness”
      1. Define and explain the function of the independent expert
witness.
      2. Distinguish and explain the differences between the role of the
“consultant” and the role of the “independent expert witness.”
      3. Identify and explain legal and procedural issues relevant to the
LNC expert witness.
      4. Identify and explain practical aspects and issues affecting the
testifying expert witness.

III. Employment Issues – the “Employer/Employee” Relationship
   A. Conducting the job search
      1. Identify and evaluate techniques for identifying employment
opportunities.
      2. Conduct research on a prospective employer.
      3. Describe employer recruitment and hiring policies and
procedures.
      4. Compose and draft a professional resume.
      5. Identify and explain techniques for interviewing and following
up.
   B. Entering into the employment relationship
      1. Identify and explain the legal consequences of the
employer/employee relationship.
      2. Identify and describe the practical aspects of the
employer/employee work relationship.

IV. Employment Issues – the Independent Contractor
   A. Legal issues
      1. Define and describe the nature and legal status of the
independent contractor.
      2. Define the agency relationship and its personal-liability
consequences.
      3. Identify and evaluate the legal and tax consequences of
independent contracting.
      4. Identify and describe other legal requirements of establishing a
business, such as business licensing requirements and zoning
restrictions.
      5. Explain the use of written contracts and related legal issues.
   B. Business issues
      1. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of
employment vs. independent contracting.
      2. Describe the use of professional advisers (e.g., attorney,
accountant, other business consultants, etc.) in the establishment of a
new business.
      3. Identify the marketing consequences of choosing a business name.
      4. Identify and describe the factors to be considered in selecting a
business location.
      5. Identify and explain the various sources and methods of obtaining
start-up capital.
      6. Describe the factors influencing the identification and pricing
of the LNC’s professional services.
      7. Explain the procedures for initiating and terminating the
professional relationship.
      8. Identify and explain the various types of business and financial
record keeping, and their uses.
      9. Identify and explain applicable forms of insurance coverage –
casualty, errors and omissions, etc.
     10. Identify and describe various methods of marketing professional
services and assessing their results.
     11. Identify and explain procedures for collection of fees.
     12. Identify and describe the legal and business issues confronting
the independent LNC as employer.
   C. Development of the business and financial-management plan
      1. Identify and explain the procedures for establishing goals.
      2. Identify and describe the components of the business plan.
      3. List and explain the procedural aspects of developing a business
plan.
      4. Identify and explain the uses of the business plan.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

A minimum of three examinations   40% of course grade
Writing assignments               60% of course grade
                                 100%
   Grade Criteria:
   A =      
   B =    
   C =    
   D =    
   F =

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.