title: Telling it to the judge. Examining the role of nurses as expert witnesses.
abstract: Do nurses have a professional obligation to testify as expert witnesses? As rapid changes in health care continue, the need for nurse witnesses will become even greater both in and out of the courthouse. Expert nurse witnesses are charged with imparting knowledge regarding nursing practice to the judge and jury. This knowledge, which impacts decisions, has a lasting effect on the U.S. system of jurisprudence. The future of the role of expert nurse witnesses rests within the nursing profession. It's up to nurses to maintain control over nursing practice. Expert nurse witnesses provide a mechanism to control not only the practice of nursing, but also the public's perceptions of nursing as an integral part of today's health care system. Interestingly, the evolution of nurse expert witnesses mirrors the evolution of nursing in general. Historically, nurses weren't viewed as professionals, and consequently, weren't considered to have the requisite qualifications to serve as expert witnesses. Over the years, however, nursing has gained not only autonomy but has demanded more accountability. State laws and court decisions have helped shape the progress that nurses have made on their journey toward professionalism. As a result, there is an increase in using nurses as expert witnesses.
authors.affiliation: Ross and Hardies in Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011361:Professional Competence; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States