CE Article

Legislation Affecting Occupational Health Nursing: Identifying Relevant Laws and Regulations

Margaret C. Thompson, MSN, RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN

  • AAOHN Journal
  • January 2006 - Volume 54 · Issue 1: 38-45
  • DOI:

Abstract

One of the basic dimensions of occupational health nursing practice is an understanding of the complex network of laws and regulations governing practice. “Occupational and environmental health nurses are responsible for maintaining a current knowledge of the laws affecting occupational health practice in the jurisdiction where they practice” (Knoblauch, Childre, & Strasser, 2001, p. 73). Although knowledge of these laws and regulations is fundamental to professional practice, it is often difficult for occupational health nurses to identify those regulations applicable to specific practice settings. After the applicable laws and regulations are identified, the challenge for occupational health nurses is to navigate the regulatory documentation to identify the elements that specifically affect their practice.

AUTHORS

AUTHOR

Ms. Thompson is doctoral (PhD) candidate, Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, NY, and Principal/Occupational Health Consultant, Croft-Taylor Consulting, LLC, Ridgefield, CT.

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