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Featured Practice Question

I am a California RN attending an online out-of-state MSN-FNP program. I graduate this spring. While applying for my CA BRN FNP license and while studying to take board certification exams I have an opportunity to take part in an unpaid patient care experience (internship) to hone my skills in a private practice physician office for a few weeks. While assuring this is under the direction/supervision of this physician, what else should I be aware of if I participate in such an arrangement? Can you foresee any pitfalls that I should be aware of? In this "in-between" state should my malpractice insurance change in some fashion until I am credentialed as an FNP?

At this point, you are functioning as a student and, depending on the specific arrangements, the school or hosting organization should provide malpractice insurance and support. If you are unsure of the affiliation agreement pertaining to this practice arrangement I recommend that you follow-up with your insurance provider to ensure adequate coverage. Also, if the internship is in California, you'll need to be aware of our state's regulations for standardized procedures.

Featured Legal Question

Can a nurse practitioner own and/or have shares in an ambulatory surgery center?

It depends how the surgery center is set up. Usually, the physicians own part of the surgery center. A management company may own part and a hospital may own part. As an NP, you would want to own part of the management company and in that way could own part of the surgery center. As a non-physician, you could not be part of the physician group.

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