Legal and practical impact of clinical practice guidelines on nursing and medical practice.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research's clinical practice guidelines establish the most effective and appropriate standard of care, based on current research. But the guidelines may not fit all patients in all circumstances. Two guidelines (on pressure ulcer prevention and treatment) are referred to in demonstrating potential legal risks. Practitioners should use the guidelines as a recommendation only, to avoid having the guidelines used against them in a malpractice case. Other ways practitioners can defend themselves include thorough documentation and close supervision when delegating tasks to other health care personnel.