Nursing CEThis conference is approved for Nursing CE through the California Board of Nursing. | CLE (Legal Education Credits)This conference will provide CLE from the Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas State Bars. | CLE ReciprocityYour state bar may recognize CLE approvals from other states. Learn about reciprocity in all 50 states*. (*Provided by Quimbee, a resource for CLE) |
(subject to change)
Time Mountain Time Zone |
Thursday, October 9 |
1 - 2pm |
Session 1. Basics of Legislation and Regulation – Interacting and Influencing Public Policy
Description: The presentation will address the significance of public policy for nurses and nurse attorneys. Mechanisms of public policy—legislation and regulation—will be examined. Key issues relevant to nurses and nurse attorneys will be identified, along with how enactment of legislation or regulation affects clients and nursing practice. The importance of nurse attorneys’ engagement in public policy discussions and their contributions will be considered. Criteria for selecting the appropriate legislative or regulatory approach for specific issues will be discussed. Participation in legislative and regulatory processes, as well as identification of collaborative stakeholders, will be covered. Case studies of successful policy development will be reviewed.Learner Objectives:
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2:15 - 3:15pm |
Session 2. Data Doesn't Lie: How "Radical" Strategies in Nursing Workforce Development are Necessary for America's Changing Demographics
Description: In order to recruit and retain a nursing workforce large enough to avoid a shortage, the profession must be an appealing career choice for a broad cross section of the population. This presentation will review challenges and opportunities in nursing workforce development in the context of the current political environment by providing an overview of key constitutional principles and cases that drive the policy making roles of state and federal government in health and safety; a review of relevant state and federal nursing workforce data; an understanding of key population based disparities in the United States and nursing's workforce development's role in addressing those disparities; the role of national initiatives such as the Future of Nursing 2030-2030 recommendations on nursing workforce development. In addition, this presentation will explore the political context of nursing workforce development today by providing an overview of President Trumps executive order on DEI efforts and relevant strategies in response by educational institutions; review cases that reduced race based college admissions prior to the Trump administration; and review state legislative strategies to support robust nursing workforce development such as establishing state nursing workforce centers as safe harbors from shifting state and federal workforce policy and funding. Learner Objectives:
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3:30 - 4:30pm |
Session 3. Lessons Learned from the NSO Legal Case Files: Protecting Yourself from an NP Lawsuit or State Board Matter!
Description: Nurse Practitioners and leaders need to develop risk management programs to help NPs manage their liability exposure. In the current dataset, the number of malpractice claims resulting in severe financial indemnity payments has increased since the previous dataset. Additionally, the number of State Board of Nursing matters has increased over the same reported time period. Using metrics and selected claim scenarios, nurse practitioners can examine their own current risk control practices to not only reduce the likelihood of a malpractice lawsuit or State Board of Nursing matter but also increase patient safety. Learner Objectives:
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coming soon |
PresentersAlphabetical by Last Name
Sofia Aragon is the Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing In 1975, Sofia immigrated to Seattle with her parents; her mother a Philippine educated nurse recruited to practice in the US. Her desire to be a stronger patient advocate led her to pursue a law degree and to engage in health policy. Her previous experience includes governmental affairs for the WA State Nurses Association, advocating for health reform, nursing education funding, and workplace safety. Today she is also an affiliate instructor for the UW School of Nursing and a Pro Bono Supervisor with the Seattle University Law School. She served on the Burien City Council from 2020-2024 and served as the city’s mayor. Sofia earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Washington a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Seattle University, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University — Chicago School of Law.
Melanie graduated from Duke University with a BSN, obtained an MN from UCLA, and graduated from Gonzaga Law School. She is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court. Melanie practices law in Arizona and California and works as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in pediatrics. She is a past President of American College of Nurse Practitioners, California Association of Nurse Practitioners, and The American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Melanie writes a quarterly column called The Connection for the California Association for Nurse Practitioners.
Ms. Brous is a Nurse Attorney in private practice concentrating in professional licensure representation and nursing advocacy. She has practiced in major litigation law firms representing nurses at all levels of practice, physicians, other health care professionals, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. Edie is admitted to practice before the bars of the state courts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Southern and Eastern Districts of the New York Federal Courts and the United States Supreme Court. She is a member of many bar associations and nursing organizations, was the 2011 president of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. She has been part time faculty at Columbia University, and has held adjunct faculty positions at several universities teaching legal aspects of nursing. Ms. Brous has lectured and published extensively on legal issues for nurses. Kathryn Busby, BSFS, JD; Phoenix, Arizona
Cassie Edgar, BS, MS, JD, CLP is a partner at McKee, Voorhees & Sease, guiding healthcare innovators through intricate patent, licensing, and regulatory landscapes. Before law, Cassie pursued a BSN at The Ohio State University, pivoting in her final year to earn a molecular genetics degree; setting the basis for her first career as a scientist. Cassie has represented nurses, startups, and pharmaceutical companies, turning bench side breakthroughs into bedside benefits. She also serves as an independent board member for Cytotheryx and Ponte Biosciences, ventures developing liver disease therapies. Cassie is especially honored to serve within TAANA, reconnecting with her original academic calling and allowing her to champion the nursing profession from a legal and policy vantage point. At the TAANA conference, Cassie will share practical strategies nurse attorneys can use to safeguard innovations and advance patient care.
Jennifer Flynn, CPHRM, is Vice President of Risk Management for Nurses Service Organization in the Healthcare Division of Aon’s Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. Specializing in risk management and having worked in the healthcare insurance business for over 24 years, Jennifer is dedicated to educating nurses and health care professionals on professional liability risks and offers strategies to mitigate those risks by supporting patient safety principles and developing quality management programs. In addition to being a frequent national speaker on healthcare risk and liability, Jennifer is also a published author on various risk management topics. Jennifer is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management and is a licensed Property & Casualty agent. She earned a BA in Psychology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Guest provides leadership for integration of computer technology for academic and clinical programs. He formerly served as the Associate Dean for Patient Care. This office is responsible for all patient care activities, including oversight for clinic policies and procedures; management of the facilities in which patient care is provided. Dr. Guest currently serves as the School of Dentistry CIO and oversees the enterprise Clinic Information Systems including the school’s Electronic Dental Record and PACS. He is the lead for the School of Dentistry’s implementation of EPIC, the unified Patient Record System for all health components at UT Health. He is Subcommittee Chair for the American Dental Association's Standards Committee for Dental Informatics and a member of the newly formed ADA Standards Consensus Bodies that includes Workgroups for Knowledge Management and Augmented Intelligence.
Kathleen A. Hessler is an attorney and registered nurse with certifications in healthcare ethics and compliance. She is actively working at being retired from law and nursing, transitioning to yet another career in writing. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, hiking and traveling. She tutors kindergarteners in reading. Ms. Hessler is a frequent speaker at state and national healthcare and legal conferences. She wrote the chapter titled “Health Care Law” for the nursing text book, Concepts for Nursing Practice, which was published in 2020 (updated in 2024). She won an award for the Chapter in the 2021 New Mexico Press Women’s contest. She has won other writing awards for her stories, which have been published in anthologies. Ms. Hessler is finalizing a book which documents her poignant journey as she navigated life during her mother’s early onset Alzheimer’s disease—and while practicing law representing the long-term care industry.
Kelli Lam, BSN, RN, CCRN, JD is a critical care nurse and legal consultant with over a decade of ICU experience and a Juris Doctor degree focused on health law, compliance, and regulatory risk. She is the founder of Lam Legal & Clinical Solutions, where she provides legal nurse consulting, policy development, and risk mitigation services to healthcare institutions and law firms. Kelli has served as a Law Clerk II for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and is the author of an article published in San Diego Lawyer magazine (2022). Her current work focuses on addressing the intersection of clinical practice and legal accountability in high-risk healthcare settings. She is a member of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA). Kelli is passionate about protecting patients by supporting nurses and healthcare facilities through education, advocacy, and systems-level change.
Marc received a BS in Biology from Cornell in 1986. In 1989, Marc graduated with a MS in biochemistry from Texas A&M University. In July, 1990, Marc joined the City of Houston Fire Department as a paramedic and firefighter and he has been with the Houston Fire Department and recently retired a Captain/Paramedic with the City of Houston Fire Department after twenty years. Marc graduated with an AS in nursing from Regents College (now Excelsior College). He is licensed as a Registered Nurse and has been employed as a nurse with the St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital and the Methodist Hospital System in the Emergency Department, Neurological ICU and Medical-Surgical floor settings. In 2009, he graduated from the South Texas College of Law and is licensed as an attorney by the State Bar of Texas. Marc is involved in the American Bar Association, Health Law Section and Young Lawyer Division; The American Association of Nurse Attorneys; the Woodlands Bar Association; the Montgomery County Bar Association and the Houston Bar Association. Marc holds leadership positions in the American Bar Association as the liaison from the Young Lawyers Division to the Health Law Section; in the Texas chapter of the American Association of Nurse Attorneys as a member of the Board of Directors.
Evita is the CEO of Rise Recovery, a leading nonprofit based in San Antonio dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome substance use challenges. She is also a healthcare provider in recovery. Under her leadership, Rise Recovery has expanded its reach, offering free recovery services, early intervention programs and founding the region's only recovery high school. With a career spanning civic service, housing, education, and behavioral health, Evita is a frequent speaker and advocate on the science of addiction, recovery pathways, and stigma reduction, and she has been featured in community forums and media addressing the fentanyl crisis and substance use. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach makes her a trusted voice in the field and a champion for those affected by substance use disorders.
Nurse Attorney with over 30 years of experience successfully defending health care professionals in medical malpractice litigation as well as before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
I have been a practicing trial lawyer since 1974, In both state and federal court. I am admitted to the United States Supreme Court, and have argued cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth circuit, the Michigan Supreme Court the Ohio Supreme Court and intermediate appellate courts in both Ohio and Michigan.
Susan Wagener, an attorney of counsel in HeplerBroom’s Chicago office, focuses her practice on the defense of health care professional licensure cases, medical malpractice, nursing home litigation, and general healthcare law matters. In addition to her active trial practice, she regularly presents and publishes on topics related to malpractice risk management and the defense of disciplinary matters. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys. Wagener earned her J.D. from Marquette University Law School. She also holds a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to becoming an attorney, she was a registered nurse, specializing in orthopedic and medical-surgical nursing care. She is licensed to practice in Illinois and Wisconsin and is admitted to the bars of the United States Supreme Court, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Nick is a California licensed attorney and nurse who began his healthcare career as an active duty medic in the United States Air Force. He became an LVN and RN, earning his ASN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees while working full-time as a nurse. Nick has significant nursing and legal experience, having worked as a staff nurse, travel nurse, house supervisor, assistant nurse manager, nursing unit manager, director, chief nursing officer, regional director of patient acuity, regional managing director (where he oversaw the largest civilian electronic medical record in the United States), and national executive director for nursing technology. Nick is also on the graduate (doctoral) nursing faculty at the University of San Francisco and the University of California, San Francisco. He is passionate about adolescent mental health, and has served as General Counsel for Seneca Family of Agencies and serves on the board of directors for Koinonia Homes for Teens and the board of directors of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys. |
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Time Mountain Time Zone |
Friday, October 10 |
8 - 9am |
Session 4. When Policy Fails: Legal Exposure from Misaligned Institutional Guidelines
Description: Nurses are often disciplined or terminated based on hospital policy violations—yet many of those policies are outdated, inconsistent with state nurse practice acts, or fail to reflect current regulatory guidance. This presentation explores how institutional policies that diverge from legal and professional standards can create significant legal and ethical risks for nurses, particularly in high-acuity and autonomous practice settings. Drawing from real-world cases and board decisions, this session will highlight how misalignment between facility-level procedures and overarching state or federal regulations has led to license investigations, terminations, and litigation. These breakdowns are often revealed in incidents involving documentation, chain of command, scope of practice, or delegation—where staff follow hospital policy but unknowingly violate regulatory or legal standards. We will examine how nurses are often held individually responsible in environments that fail to update protocols or offer adequate legal education. Attendees will also explore opportunities for proactive involvement in policy review, interdisciplinary risk mitigation, and education efforts that close the gap between law and practice. This presentation is intended for nurse attorneys, compliance officers, risk managers, and healthcare leaders who play a role in policy creation, legal oversight, or staff protection. The session will provide actionable guidance on identifying institutional vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to reduce nurse liability in policy-driven environments. Learner Objectives:
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9 - 10am |
Session 5. Successfully Defending Medical Malpractice and Long-Term Care Litigation
Description: Successfully defending medical malpractice and long-term care cases requires a tactical approach during all phases of litigation. This presentation will provide tips for optimizing case outcomes. Learner Objectives:
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10:30 - 11:30am |
Session 6. Overview of Applied Solutions to Address Cybersecurity Regulations, Guidelines, and Compliance Programs Related to Protection of Patient Data
Description: This presentation provides an overview of patient data protection regulations, guidelines, and the considerations in developing compliance programs to address these. Attendees will gain and understanding of key issues and how organizations can apply mitigation strategies for securing patient data. The presentation will also review breach of patient data protection incident reporting strategies, and some the potential penalties and crimes associated non-compliance. Example strategies to address issues will be included in the presentation. Learner Objectives:
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11:30 - 12:30pm |
Session 7. Substance Use Disorder and Professional License Defense
Description: The presentation will discuss substance use disorder (SUD) and the issues related to the defense of a professional license investigation with possible discipline when SUD is alleged and will include discussion of alternative to discipline options offered by many states. The substance use disorder portion of the presentation will address SUD as an occupational hazard for health care professionals, the correlation to the opioid epidemic, and the risks, signs and symptoms of an impaired professional. Different approaches to addressing the impaired professional in the healthcare setting will be discussed with emphasis on SUD as an illness to be treated. The professional license defense portion of the presentation will provide an overview of the license discipline process generally when SUD is alleged, including an emphasis on various alternative to discipline approaches offered by many states. The factors and criteria to consider in seeking an alternative to discipline approach/outcome will be discussed. Discipline outcomes will be explored in the setting of SUD, with discussion of both public discipline and alternative to discipline outcomes.Learner Objectives:
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2 - 3pm |
Session 8. Preparing both expert and non expert witnesses for medical malpractice case testimony
Description: This presentation will focus on how to prepare both expert and non expert witnesses for testimony and medical malpractice, from basic do's and don'ts, To the importance of understanding central themes that will drive all the testimony in the case. We will also learn how to Deal with the content expert who is less experienced in presentation technique. Finally, we will discuss how to control costs with experts by previewing voluminous records. Learner Objectives:
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3:15 - 4:15pm |
Session 9. Evolving Options of Senior Living Communities and Regulations Governing Nursing Facilities
Description: In today’s world, more and more people we know are entering senior living communities, assisted living homes and nursing facilities. The complexion of these senior living options is constantly evolving. The copious regulations that govern the care in nursing facilities—the highest level of care in these communities— can be overwhelming to attorneys, healthcare providers and families of residents. The nursing facility is where many residents reside who are cognitively or physically dependent on the staff for oversight and care. This presentation will serve the dual purpose of educating attorneys on the differences between the levels of care in senior living communities and provide insight into some of the key regulations for nursing facilities. It will also serve to educate others in how to effectively cooperate with these communities or individual facilities to ensure their loved ones stay safe and receive the care and oversight they are entitled to. Further, the session will focus on several key regulations that Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing facilities are bound by, including but not limited to regulations on restraints, administration of antipsychotic medications, and a resident’s right to autonomy. The presenter will share her personal and professional stories that will provide insight in how to work with facilities to ensure your loved ones are receiving the benefit of the regulations as intended under the law. Or, if you are practicing in this highly regulated area of law, you will gain insight into representing your facility clients in regulatory actions and in assisting them in working with difficult families. Learner Objectives:
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4:30 - 5:30pm |
Session 10. Nurses as Entrepreneurs: Legal & IP Fundamentals for Innovation in Healthcare
Description: As nurses increasingly lead the charge in healthcare innovation, understanding the legal framework that supports and protects their ventures is essential. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the business law and intellectual property (IP) essentials every nurse entrepreneur needs to launch and grow a successful enterprise. We’ll begin with IP fundamentals, including how to identify and protect innovations through patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Whether you’re developing a new product, creating educational content, or branding a health service, you’ll learn how to safeguard your ideas and avoid common IP missteps. The session will then dive into core business law principles, including how to choose the right business entity (such as an LLC or corporation), strategies for minimizing liability, and the basics of contract law. We’ll also cover key considerations for structuring partnerships, handling ownership rights, and scaling sustainably. Learner Objectives:
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Poster details coming soon