Dear all,

A true Ethical Dilemma lies before us!

As an RN/IBCLC I am being utilized in a legal case (in another state) as an
expert wittiness.  When preparing to write my legal report on this case I
requested from IBCLE our Code of Ethics, Competency Statement, and Clinical
Competencies that were in affect for the time frame this legal situation
occurred. These documents are being used to determine competencies and/or
negligence of the Nurses and the IBCLC involved in this case.  If this new
"Scope of Practice" is left to stand as is, then how we practice becomes a
possible liability to us all. 

We are taught from the very beginning, as RNs or IBCLC, to chart what we
saw, heard, felt, smelled and said. This new Scope of Practice puts all of
us in a very dangerous position both ethically and legally. First do we say
what we know to be correct and just not chart it and let it becomes an issue
of she said, he said with no proof on either said. Second do we say and
chart what we know to be correct and risk being found out if the case should
ever go to litigation. Thirdly do we just idly set by as we let mothers and
children suffer needlessly and continue to let the world become more
ignorant on the benefits of BREASTFEEDING? Or lastly do we stand up and say
LOUDLY that we disagree and disapprove of this atrocious document.

Some may say this was written mostly for the USA, but please remember that
all countries and each individual somewhere, at sometime had to over come
some form of oppression.  

And For ME I view this "Scope of Practice" as nothing more than a form of
OPPESSSION.

 

I am proud to be an IBCLC and for all those in every country who have gone
come before me to make the advancements in Lactation what they are today.
So speak up loudly.

 

Crystal Stearns RNC, MS, IBCLC

Mercy Memorial Health Center

Ardmore, OK 73401

 


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