title: Navigating legal issues in academic nursing.
abstract: Through its publications, typically the catalogs and departmental materials, an institution establishes contractual obligations between it and students. While faculty are expected to keep current on policy changes, responsibility for knowing requirements ultimately remains with students. Faculty cannot be held personally liable for negligent, irresponsible, or capricious behavior of students. By keeping complete and accurate notes of advising and counseling sessions, faculty can avoid future disputes as well as protect themselves against claims of erroneous advising. Deans need to work closely with faculty and students to improve communication and to ensure that all know their rights. Clear communication will oftentimes avoid legal tangles.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: Assistant Dean (Dr Pressler), College of Nursing, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Carol Kuser Loser Dean, Professor (Dr Kenner), School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey.
authors.forename: Jana L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pressler
authors.forename: Carole A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Kenner
mesh_terms: D032781:Codes of Ethics; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004522:Educational Status; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D016134:Organizational Policy; D018907:Privacy; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology