Determine the legal responsibilities of a CNA, as required by Virginia Board of Nursing regulation.

Determination should include areas of

  • client/resident/patient Bill of Rights
  • professional standards (e.g., scope of practice)
  • litigation
  • negligence
  • malpractice
  • Good Samaritan laws
  • consent
  • slander
  • libel
  • abandonment
  • false imprisonment
  • confidentiality
  • privileged communication
  • assault and battery
  • advance directives (e.g., living wills, durable power of attorney)
  • theft
  • abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of patient property (e.g., financial, physical, emotional, sexual)
  • CNA registry.

More information can be found at Virginia Department of Social Services’ Mandated Reporters: Training and Resources Links to an external site. website and in the Virginia Administrative Code section on Disciplinary Provisions for Nurse Aides (18VAC90-25-100) Links to an external site..

See also 18VAC90-25-100(2)(c) Links to an external site., 18VAC90-25-100(2)(h) Links to an external site., and 18VAC90-25-80 Links to an external site.

Refer to Unit VI in Nurse Aide Curriculum Links to an external site., Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What types of lawsuits are most prevalent in healthcare facilities?
  • What is the difference between libel and slander?
  • What steps are involved in legally practicing as a CNA in Virginia or in another state?
  • What are the penalties for failing to abide by legal practices while practicing as a CNA?
  • Who are mandated reporters?
  • What situations would require mandatory reporting?
  • What is the Good Samaritan Law?