Explore the principles and practice of legal nurse consulting and prepare to get started. Experienced LNCs will discuss lauwsuit processes, research, practice areas, medical record review, and business principles.

INA, CCM, LNCC

A growing problem within the aging population is elder abuse and neglect. Often a hidden problem with subtle signs, these healthcare issues are far-reaching and require nurse awareness for early intervention. There are too few programs that discuss the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and neglect. Those that exist do not address the problems from an ethical and legal perspective with the preservation of human dignity and rights as the center hallmark, of outcome-driven strategies. An understanding of the role that abuse and neglect plays in society, the identification of subtle symptoms and triggers, and a clear pathway for protections of legal rights for those abused and neglected elders fosters the development of protection and screening programs. Knowledge is the first step toward awareness and intervention.

INA, CCM, LNCC

Research is both a preliminary and ongoing activity in reviewing a medical malpractice case. A legal nurse consultant's (LNC's) ability to read and interpret research in light of the plaintiff's medical situation is one of the most important contributions an LNC can provide to medical malpractice attorneys' cases. LNCs must be able to answer the question of whether or not there is enough research to support a legitimate plaintiff claim. Additionally, does the literature support the methodology that was used to diagnose and treat the plaintiff? This workshop will show how LNCs can find experts and use research to augment or refute experts' testimony, while pointing out how research assists in the development of the complaint, interrogatories, motions to produce records, preparation of questions for deposition and trial, preparation of the opening and closing arguments and determination of the award for the plaintiff. Research touches every part of the medical malpractice case and LNCs are invaluable in providing research.

INA, CCM, LNCC

The Medicare Secondary Payor Act has impacted the Worker' Compensation industry across the nation. This workshop will briefly discuss the history of the MSP Act, its impact on the insurance industry and how to apply the life-care planner's skills to creating a Medicare set aside.

New Roles/Practice Areas for the Legal Nurse Consultant
INA, CCM, LNCC

This panel will cover the subject areas of: Thinking Outside the Medical Malpractice Box - How to Analyze Other Types of Cases (personal injury, product liability, domestic, criminal and forensic); Mediation - The LNC's Role (what is mediation, when is it used and what is the LNCs role); Subcontracting - To Delegate or Not to Delegate (exploring the pleasures and pitfalls of subcontracting); and Writing it Right - Creating Professional Reports (knowing what to say, how to say it and what not to say).

INA, CCM, LNCC

This workshop will provide the LNC with a basic and intermediate review of criminal case work as well as possible key areas where the LNC may make a measurable difference in the case outcome. It will include an overview of the specific stages in which individuals move through the criminal justice system, from arrest to bail, plea bargaining, trial, sentencing and appeal. Opportunities for utilization of LNC skills will be identified at each stage of the proceeding. Specific areas where the LNC may make a significant impact in defense representation will be highlighted through actual case examples, including criminal charges, the review of discovery materials, and medical and forensic issues. Terminology specific to criminal casework, but often unfamiliar to the LNC, will be reviewed. The knowledge base necessary for this LNC specialty area will be described.

INA, CCM, LNCC

In this opening keynote session, attorney Matthew Arnold will discuss how the noteworthy Sullivan v. Edward Hospital case came to be. Arnold will go into great detail on the law supporting this vital case, and how this case changes the legal nurse consultant community. This keynote will also evaluate and measure the effect of the Sullivan decision on litigation practices today. This is an opening keynote that you don't want to miss!

INA, CCM, LNCC  

This session will look at the MDS (Minimum Data Set) that is used for a variety of purposes and provides a wealth of information on the status of a resident. Understanding this information can assist both plaintiff and defense in litigation.

INA, CCM, LNCC

Injury is not planned. Injury in the United States is the fourth-leading cause of death in all age groups. The concept of rapid diagnosis and treatment is inherent in caring for injured patients. This session will address common (and potentially lethal) missed inuries and misdiagnoses and the legal implications of each, as well as those populations most at risk for a missed injury or misdiagnosis. A case study format will be used, highlighting both little-known and high-profile cases of trauma malpractice.

INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will look at general and specific causation, showing participants how to determine whether an agent is potentially causal by evaluation the nature and quality of the science. Participants will also determine how to know whether it was likely causal in the specific case and the role of medical records review and other data. Discussion will cover how and why differential diagnosis is one part of causation assessment and how that differes in expertise needed and basic elements required. The application of this information in discovery, motions to dismiss (Daubert, Frye, etc.) and in trial will be reviewed and discussed.

INA, CCM, LNCC

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Lunch
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Presentation

Put down that legal pad and forget every boring bullet point you've ever seen. Imagine an entirely new and exciting way to persuade. You don't have to be a graphic artist or a geek to master PowerPersuation. Veteran trial lawyer and visual persuasion guru, Craig Ball, will lead you step-by-step through unique and exciting ways you can use plain old PowerPoint and other similar tools to create compelling presentations. Add life to dry documents. Craft timelines they'll never forget. Move a jury to tears with interactive visuals. Come find out why this program is always the highest rated at the ABA "TechShow."

INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will discuss demonstrative evidence in medical negligence cases, including the benefits and issues concerning potential negligence and cross-examination techniques of healthcare providers, including the possible pitfalls involved for those healthcare providers.

INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will cover the independent practice of the LNC by focusing on: 1) the legality of non-attorney representation for SSDI/SSI claimants including representation before an ALJ, typically an attorney-heavy arena; 2) federal code and Social Security law applicable in all 50 states (and territories) allowing non-attorney representation; 3) how LNCs may be as qualified (if not better able) to present a disability case for a claimant/client; and 4) how an LNC may initially proceed in client procurement and representation in front of the SSA.

New Roles/Practice Areas for the Legal Nurse Consultant
INA, CCM, LNCC

Research indicates that patients want answers regarding adverse events. Specifically, they want to be told what happened to them in language they understand and they want an apology. The first part of the session will review disclosure requirements and recommendations from the AMA, ACP and JCAHO. Physicians historically are not comfortable with this type of discussion, but they are being culturally mandated to have these discussions and patients want the information. The session will then focus on disclosure of unanticipated outcomes and the power of apology. Coaching skills and training techniques for better communication will also be discussed.

INA, CCM, LNCC

The speaker will teach the audience how to incorporate the seven systems of marketing into their business. The topics taught will cover the seven systems of referral development, intake, account management, planning, tracking, and public relations and advertising.

INA, CCM

Are you feeling overwhelmed as a first-year LNC? Then this session is for you! As a new LNC it can be difficult to hear advice from "experienced" LNCs because it can make you feel like you have big shoes to fill. This session will offer a new apporach from someone in your shoes! During this session, you will hear from a fellow new LNC who will help you identify the obstacles you might face when you're on the road to becoming a successful LNC. You will also go over several factors that occur for the new LNC and understand exactly what your role should be.

INA, CCM

Walk in the world of the mitigation specialist as we examine the role definition for legal nurse consultants who work in the capital litigation arena. Explore the information presented to tell the story of a murder and experience the emotion of a juror asked to decide between life and death.

New Roles/Practice Areas for the Legal Nurse Consultant
INA, CCM, LNCC

You've heard "digital is different" and "deleted doesn't mean gone," but what does that really mean? What is "computer forensics," and when and why might a computer forensic examination make or break the case? Learn how personal computers cache hidden evidence, and join Craig Ball, a veteran trial lawyer and certified computer forensics expert, as he leads you on a fun, fantastic voyage through the hard drive. You'll never again look at a computer in quite the same way. Hot e-discovery topics like metadata, back-up tapes, data resurrection and search techniques will also be addressed, without the "techno speak."

INA, CCM, LNCC

• Effective Charts and Exhibits
  Mindy Cohen, MSN RN LNCC
  
  
• I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now...Pearls and Pitfalls of Starting Out
  Kara DiCecco, MSN RN LNCC
  
  
• Tracking Charts
  Madeline Good, MSN RN LNCC
  
  
• Moving Onto Complex Litigation - Multiple Plaintiffs in Federal Court With More than Three Plaintiff Attorney Firms
  Mary Lou Hazelwood, RN LNCC
  
  
• Forensics: Not for the Faint of Heart
  Lynda Kopishke, MSN RN LNCC
  
  
• The Creative Writing of LNC Billing
  Suzanne Langroth, BSN RN LNCC
  
  
• Chronologies 101
  Jane Mihalich, BSN RN LNCC
  
  
• Improving Medical Record Review & Analysis per Standards of Care
Ginger Varca, BA RN

This session will cover issues confronting LNCs in maintaining confidentiality with computers and technology, e-mail, databases and other computer-related systems. Included in the session are suggestions on meeting the challenge of maintaining confidentiality in the computer age.

INA CCM LNCC

This is your opportunity to ask members of the American Legal Nurse Consultant Certification Board any questions you may have regarding the LNCC exam or recertification process.

The attack on the nursing home industry continues to grow and long-term care cases present challenging issues. Plaintiffs typically ignore the medical reality of the geriatric population, attack the institution, and the company that owns the nursing home. The company's and the nursing home's documents are the unfortunate focus of litigation. Understanding plaintiffs' themes in long-term care cases and the nursing home's documents that plaintiffs use to support the claims, gives the legal nurse consultant an opportunity to be pro-active in avoiding the document pitfalls while assisting in the evaluation of the claims.

INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will include an overview of DVT, Pulmonary emboli, risk factors, prevention, treatment and a comprehensive case presentation of a simple orthopedic fracture with subsequent death.

INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will provide information to the legal nurse consultant regarding corporate compliance. It will include a definition of corporate compliance in the healthcare setting, explain the various laws governing compliance in healthcare and define agencies responsible for oversight of corporate compliance. The speakers will identify opportunities for the legal nurse consultant and discuss how legal nurse consulting skills can be utilized in the healthcare compliance field.

New Roles/Practice Areas for the Legal Nurse Consultant
INA, CCM, LNCC

Part 1 of 2: The role of nursing expert witness is fraught with challenges and rewards. The techniques of testifying will be presented in the form of a mock trial. Learn how to present clear direct examination and withstand cross-examination by watching expert witnesses testify. Attorneys and expert witnesses will use the mechanism of a mock trial to drive home points in a safe learning environment. The session will consist of opening statements, direct and cross-examination of two expert witnesses, closing statements, and discussion of the rationale behind the techniques that were demonstrated.

INA, CCM, LNCC

The Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA) redefined federal requirements for long-term care facilities who participate in Medicare and Medicaid. OBRA requirements set the standard for residents' rights, quality of care, quality of life and numerous other criteria. Over the years, since the implementation of OBRA, there have been investigative protocols and additional guidelines issued to further define the minimum standard requirements set by the federal government. Long-term care surveys are now conducted periodically by state and federal agencies utilizing these regulations. Guideline deficiencies cited are given a scope and severity rating, ranging from isolated to widespread for scope, and from no harm to immediate jeopardy for severity. These deficiencies often require a plan of correction by the facility. As the scope and severity increases, facilities may also be subject to other sanctions and penalties including a ban on admissions, civil monetary penalties or even termination of their provider agreement. It is essential for the legal nurse consultant who is reviewing long-term care cases to not only have an understanding of the survey process and outcomes, but to review and utilize the requirements, guidelines and surveys as part of the case review. This may include a review of the OSCAR reports that show the facility's compliance history and the Quality Indicator reports that define the acuity level of the facility's residents for care issues such as pressure ulcers, tracheotomies or enteral feedings.

INA, CCM, LNCC

The session content will include an in-depth discussion of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, including the history and development of the program, data regarding success/failure rates of NRP, patient risk factors, published standards of care and legal implications for the nurse.

INA, CCM, LNCC

Part 2 of 2: The role of nursing expert witness is fraught with challenges and rewards. The techniques of testifying will be presented in the form of a mock trial. Learn how to present clear direct examination and withstand cross-examination by watching expert witnesses testify. Attorneys and expert witnesses will use the mechanism of a mock trial to drive home points in a safe learning environment. The session will consist of opening statements, direct and cross-examination of two expert witnesses, closing statements, and discussion of the rationale behind the techniques that were demonstrated.

INA, CCM, LNCC

The diagnosis, anatomy, treatment, prognosis and natural history of cervical dystonia will be presented. The posttraumatic form, commonly seen after a motor vehicle accident, will be the primary focus. The effects of making the diagnosis on the assessment of damages and future expense in the litigation will be discussed. Its relationship to the onset of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) will be explained. Often misdiagnosed, or missed, the importance of learning how to recognize this common entity will be addressed.

INA, CCM, LNCC

A new area in healthcare is data mining clinical records along with financial data elements to truly understand what really happened. This process (audit trail) helps to answer the questions of who, what, when and where. The speaker will provide an update on the LNC's role in forensics and overall regarding healthcare fraud schemes.

INA, CCM, LNCC

Participants will learn how a Worker's Compensation case manager can incorporate their LNC knowledge and skills into the job to create a niche for their job skills. This can be demonstrated by performing reviews on old, unresolved cases and giving recommendations on how to resolve them and by working on these cases as CM and LNC if the case goes to court.

New Roles/Practice Areas for the Legal Nurse Consultant
INA, CCM, LNCC

Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) have sprung up all over the country to provide evidence collection and expert testimony about these criminal cases. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are forensic nurses who have had special training in performing the evidentiary evaluation and collection of evidence for victims of sexual assault. These nurses are going to the criminal court to present information and testify about the findings and how this relates to the issues of sexual assault. There are cases where the nurse examiner has gone to court and stated the genital injury was a result of a rape. This information is not challenged as the defense typically does not have the tools or expertise to address this. What the SANE nurse can present in a court of law will be examined to help you prepare the defense in these cases.

New Roles/Practice Areas for the Legal Nurse Consultant
INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will define post-traumatic stress disorder. Peter Reilly discusses how underlying psychological issues impact the condition, as well as diagnostic and treatment information. From a disability standpoint, determination of malingering will also be discussed. Given the current US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the presentation also delves into current Veterans Affairs (VA) statistics and problems that inhibit their ability to approach veterans with PTSD.

INA, CCM, LNCC

The focus of this session will be the development and implementation of a sound marketing plan based on a self-assessment of the LNC's style, budget and business goals. Discussion will include the successful and less-than-successful strategies that were used in growing Huppenbauer & Forrister as a viable consulting practice. Mareking plan elements will be discussed within the context of a business plan, with emphasis on the importance of developing the plan using sound marketing and principles. The speakers will also highlight the importance of the attorney/consultant relationship in fostering the growth of the LNC practice.

INA, CCM

Experts insist that PAP smears are not an exact science. In fact, guidelines did not exist until 2000. This session will explore a bad PAP smear, misdiagnosis and the untimely death of a young woman; and examine the questions "How do you defend this case?" Through this blind study, you will understand that there are ways to prove that bad results do not always result in a bad outcome for your case.

INA, CCM, LNCC

Today, as many as 40% of our population is overweight; in fact, many statistics indicate that over 30% of our society is actually clinically obese. Yet, obese hospitalized patients and skilled nursing residents often suffer from clinical malnutrition and multiple negative outcomes, such as pressure ulcers and protein deficits. This session will focus on the appropriate nutritional assessments and multidisciplinary care and management care planning of this specialized population.

Prevention of the devastating effects strokes have on society is now becoming a reality. Controversy exists due to the changing paradigm of care. Interventional methods are becoming more available and the various tools now used to identify strokes in their infancy will be demonstrated. The standard of care is changing as more medical centers are now becoming certified in stroke prevention. This session will focus not only on how costly strokes are to society, but also on the latest scientific techniques that can be used in stroke prevention. Additionally, the speaker will point out the legal ramifications that sometimes prevent physicians from using the latest techniques in stroke prevention.

INA, CCM, LNCC

This session will examine the benefits for both the providers and agencies in reducing risk and liability exposure through better hiring and credentialing methods. Examples of what the agencies are NOT doing that the healthcare administrators assume is being done will be covered in this session. Listen as the speaker addresses the lack of quality assurance in the staffing industry and third-party oversight with standards. The speaker will cover building excellence through evidence related to evidence-based performance and the positive impact that has on the levels of professionalism and improved outcomes.

INA, CCM, LNCC

It is very important that you think before you speak to avoid problematic issues. This session will examine several issues, including: Considerations of a deponent who is a licensed healthcare provider; settings in which statements of healthcare providers may be taken; types of statements; roles of healthcare providers giving statements; penalties; rights against self-incrimination; and general rules for healthcare providers giving statements.

INA, CCM, LNCC

Everyone has business challenges. It is critical that you be able to successfully navigate through them. Rosie Oldham will address internal challenges such as: Building a growth-producing environment; establishing systems for preventing, detecting and responding to quality concerns; creating a business framework with flexible strategies that cultivate inventiveness; hiring qualified staff; how creating a trusted, resourceful executive team impacts business operations; and how each associate may affect company image, reputation, and image of the LNC field as a whole. External challenges will also be covered including: importance of assessing business partners' needs and standards; creating sustainable, long-term value versus pursuing short-term gains; and how outsourcing services can increase a firm's productivityand decrease costs. Along with overcoming the internal and external challenges, it is important to properly market. This session will also cover: Maintaining corporate focus; discerning what "success" will look like; and how assessing the market, planning and willingness to take calculated risks are essential for longevity in the field. It is imperative to have the technology needed to keep everything moving along to make certain your business runs smoothly. Additionally, the following computer technology areas will be covered: How system integration and keeping current with technology can increase productivity; selecting the right equipment for internal business operations and external client needs; data management and storage, database design and redundant backup systems; and brief courtroom technology discussion.

INA, CCM