Expanding horizons: from bedside nurse to expert witness.

Opportunities for perinatal and neonatal nurses to serve as expert witnesses are expanding, particularly in the area of medical malpractice. The article presents an overview of the role and qualifications of the nurse expert in medical malpractice cases. The phases of involvement in the legal process, from review of medical records to testifying in deposition and at trial, are described. Essential information is presented about factors to consider in formulating an expert opinion and strategies for testifying in medical malpractice lawsuits. A description is provided of the types of malpractice cases that may be on the horizon.