Occasionally, physicians are called upon to make a difficult decision whether to administer life-sustaining treatment to a patient. Physicians have an obligation to preserve life, to respect life, and to do everything in their power to protect the fragility of the human condition. Equally compelling is the patient’s right to make decisions regarding their healthcare. […]
Missouri’s legislature enacted the Nurse Practice Act (“the Act”) designed to govern the practice of nursing in Missouri. The Act entrusts licensing and discipline of nurses to the Missouri State Board of Nursing (“the Board”). The Missouri Legislature gave the Board rule-making authority, which authorizes the Board to pass regulations for the profession. Consequently, the […]
Use of emerging technologies is increasing in many aspects of healthcare. Teletherapy has grown significantly in health care professions such as psychology and other disciplines such as speech therapy. Teletherapy as a recognized tool for treating patients has become a widely accepted practice. Teletherapy helps deliver treatment to people who have difficulty ambulating, or have […]
Many healthcare professionals have formed the opinion that childhood vaccinations are detrimental to children. The debate has raged for some time now. For one California pediatrician who not only ascribes to the belief that children should not be vaccinated but is a vocal advocate for eliminating the practice, the specter of disciplinary action is quite […]
With opiate addiction rates rising across the country, licensed addiction counselors are in high demand. In Missouri, addiction counselors must obtain their credentials to practice from Missouri’s Credentialing Board (“the Board”). The Board promulgated a set of ethical rules and responsibilities by which an addiction counselor must abide to remain credentialed. The Board possesses the […]
Kansas’ Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is the quasi-judicial body designated by the Kansas Legislature to preside over disputes involving state agencies’ professional licensing decisions. Efficient dispute resolution is the purpose of OAH, and a necessary step parties must take before seeking relief from the courts. The OAH functions similarly to a court. The presiding […]
Kansas and Missouri Professional Licensing Attorney Discuses Addiction Counselor Ethics With the high number of people addicted to some form substance in this country, people need a place to turn for help. Addiction counselors can provide the help a person needs to kick their habit. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (the Board) issues licenses […]
Substance abuse in the United States has reached near pandemic proportions. Nearly one in every twelve Americans suffer from the scourge of addiction. New methods for treating addiction, especially opioid addiction, are constantly tested by medical and treatment professionals. This problem created an enormous need for additional addiction counselors and treatment facilities. One highly-regarding health […]
A licensing professional disciplined by the agency that issued the discipline has the right to appeal that decision. In Missouri, an aggrieved licensee must appeal that decision to Missouri’s Administrative Hearings Commission (AHC). Several procedural rules govern hearings before the AHC. A party appearing before the AHC must know, or at least be familiar with, […]
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are unsung heroes in today’s world. Police and fire personnel are glorified (and vilified) for their actions. EMTs, on the other hand, get little thanks for the job they perform. They are on the front lines and a glimmer of hope for those in desperate situations. EMTs are inadequately […]