The subpoena and a day in court: guidelines for nurses.
Psychiatric nurses or therapists may be subpoenaed to appear as direct or expert witnesses. The response must be carefully prepared, and nurses must be aware that testifying in court can be an anxiety-provoking experience. Testifying often involves being an advocate for a client. Clients who have a mental illness, are developmentally disabled, or have a history of abuse or recent violence deserve a conscientious response. The legal process is the avenue for providing safety or empowerment, for assuring that needs are met, and rights are obtained, and being part of that process is an important role. Being prepared for the role is essential.
Murray
Ruth Beckmann
RB
Saint Louis University School of Nursing, 3525 Caroline Mall, St. Louis, MO 63104-1099, USA. murrayrl@slu.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004282:Documentation; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D020408:Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D009737:Nursing Records; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States