FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1.         What is a legal nurse consultant (LNC)? 

Legal nurse consulting is a specialty practice of nursing.  The primary role of the LNC is to evaluate, analyze, and render informed opinions on the delivery of health care and the resulting outcomes.  LNCs have been assisting attorneys with the medical related aspects of cases for about 20 years.  LNCs practice in both plaintiff and defense capacities in a variety of settings: law firms, independent practice, insurance companies, government offices, and risk management departments. 

2.                  What do legal nurse consultants do?  

Some of the activities LNCs may perform include: identify standards of care, causation, and damage issues; conduct client interviews; research and summarize medical literature; prepare chronologies of medical events and compare and correlate them to the allegations; educate attorneys regarding medical facts and issues relevant to the case; locate, retain, and confer with expert witnesses; initial case screening for merit; organize medical records; assist with depositions and trials; identify regulatory requirements; and act as a liaison between attorneys, physicians, and clients. 

3.                  What types of cases need an LNC? 

LNCs provide support in medically-related litigation and other medical-legal matters in the following areas: medical negligence or malpractice; personal injury; product liability; toxic torts; worker’s compensation; risk management; medical licensure investigation; fraud, abuse and compliance issues; criminal law; elder law; and other applicable cases. 

4.         How can I find out more information about legal nurse consulting? 

Access the website for our national organization, The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) at www.aalnc.org 

5.         How can I join a local chapter? 

Please click on the “How to Join” button at the top of the screen for information regarding membership in the Southern West Virginia Chapter of AALNC.  Membership in the national organization is required for members joining at the local chapter level.  For information about chapters in other states, access the website for AALNC at www.aalnc.org

6.                  How can I become certified as an LNC? 

Professional certification is available to LNCs through the Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) program.  LNCC certification is similar to clinical certification, and the program is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialities.  The LNC who achieves this credential has met experience and education requirements, passed the certification exam, and is committed to this nursing specialty.  For more information about LNCC certification, access the website for our national organization at www.aalnc.org and click on the link for certification. 

7.                  Who can I contact for more information about the local chapter? 

For membership questions or information regarding meeting locations, contact Carol Hart, Membership Committee Chair at CHLegalNurse@verizon.net. For all other questions, contact Tonja Parsons, Chapter President at tonja.parsons@steptoe-johnson.com.

[Note:  Information provided about Legal Nurse Consulting was adapted from “What is a Legal Nurse Consultant?” published by the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants, 2001.]