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Partners in Advancing Justice: Understanding the Role of Forensic Nurses & Attorneys
Friday, September 12, at 12:00PM EST
This presentation will provide an overview of the scope of practice and qualification for forensic nurses as well as implications for courtroom testimony, including attorney involvement.
Practicing forensic nurses and criminal prosecutorial and defense attorneys will aim to discuss their varied roles, the legal standard for admissibility of expert testimony, and other considerations that are likely to arise in the courtroom.
Learner Objectives
- Explain the scope of practice for a forensic nurse.
- List the professional requirements to practice as a forensic nurse.
- Identify three legal considerations related to practice as a forensic nurse.
- Discuss the role of a prosecuting attorney in a forensic matter.
- Explain how the prosecuting attorney works with a forensic nurse.
- Discuss how a public defender or defense attorney will work with a forensic nurse.
- Apply the scope of practice for a forensic nurse and the roles of the prosecuting and defense attorneys to a brief case study.
PRESENTERS
B
elgin S. Palaz, Esq., Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Forensics Division, Baltimore, Maryland
Belgin is an Assistant Public Defender in the Forensics Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, where she works on cases involving expert testimony like forensic nursing through all stages of the proceedings, including pre-trial litigation, jury trials, and post-conviction hearings. Ms. Palaz is responsible for retaining independent experts for review of forensic nurse examinations in addition to litigation about the admissibility or scope of proposed testimony. In addition to her work as a public defender, Ms. Palaz is also an adjunct law professor at American University, Washington College of Law.
Joanna Helsby, Esq, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, Atlanta, Georgia
Joanna is the director of the Special Victim’s Unit for the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Joanna has been a prosecutor for 16 years in the Atlanta Metro Area, most recently for 6 years in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit. Joanna received her B.A. from Duke University in 2003 and her law degree from the Emory University School of Law. Joanna has also been a board member for the International Women’s House for 8 years, a nonprofit offering a safe haven and supportive services for women and children who are victims of family violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Dr. Jennifer Johnson, DNP, APRN, AFN-BC, AFN-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, DF-AFN
Jennifer is an advanced practice forensic nurse and owner of Johnson Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of clinical and forensic experience, she provides expert case review, consultation, and testimony in sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, and forensic documentation standards. Dr. Johnson has developed national training programs and contributes to advancing forensic nursing practice and policy. Her expertise bridges healthcare and the legal system, ensuring accurate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based evaluations that strengthen patient care and justice outcomes.
REGISTRATION
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TAANA, AFN Members: $0 (free to members)
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Non-Members: $39
Not a Member? Click here to join! Then follow the instructions in the membership form to sign up for the webinar.
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Cancellation Policy: no refunds due to cancellation. All registrants will have access to a video archive if you are unable to attend.
CLE & NURSING CE
Approval Notices (pdf)
This event is approved for Nursing CE with the California Board of Nursing for live or on-demand participation. This event is currently pending for CLE live participation in the following states:
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Missouri
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
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